Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The M-346 aircraft is optimised for advanced military pilot training. (Photo: Leonardo)
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
Leonardo has signed a contract with Austria to supply 12 M-346 multirole aircraft to the Austrian Air Force to meet the country’s growing need for training aircraft and fill capability gaps in its air force.
The Austrian government announced on 29 November that it had allocated €1.5 billion (US$1.75 billion) for the acquisition of these aircraft, which included training support and simulators and options for 12 additional aircraft.
An undisclosed number of the aircraft ordered by Austria will be supplied in the light fighter configuration under the new M-346 F Block 20, according to Leonardo.
The M-346 F Block 20 will
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Bundeswehr launches loitering munition spending spree with $2.16 billion unassigned]()
Bundeswehr launches loitering munition spending spree with $2.16 billion unassigned
After months of delays, Rheinmetall has inked a €300 million deal with Germany for its FV-014 drone this week as part of a wider framework contract worth €2.4 billion for loitering munition procurement. Shephard looks at how the as-yet-unawarded funds could be spent.
-
![FY2027 budget request highlights shift in USAF’s future aerial refuelling priorities]()
FY2027 budget request highlights shift in USAF’s future aerial refuelling priorities
The USAF’s Next-Generation Aerial Refuelling Programme is coming under scrutiny in the wake of the Pentagon’s FY2027 budget request, signalling a change in how the force could prioritise the modernisation of its tanker fleet.
-
![Industry makes strides on CCA programme as USAF makes nearly $1 billion funding request]()
Industry makes strides on CCA programme as USAF makes nearly $1 billion funding request
Anduril’s YFQ-44A has successfully undergone USAF experimental testing for Increment 1, while an engine has officially been selected for Northrop Grumman’s YFQ-48A – a potential candidate for Increment 2 of the air force’s CCA programme.
-
![Australia’s revised defence investment plan: what it means for air warfare]()
Australia’s revised defence investment plan: what it means for air warfare
The Australian government’s 2026 National Defence Strategy has unveiled a major spending uplift planned for the Royal Australian Air Force, focused on upgrading its air combat and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as upping investment in uncrewed aerial systems.
-
![What does the FY2027 US budget signal for the country’s future airpower plans?]()
What does the FY2027 US budget signal for the country’s future airpower plans?
The record-breaking defence budget request focuses on bolstering some core next-generation aircraft programmes across each domain, although questions remain on the US's commitment to some key defence programmes.
