IRIA News

5 minute read

Indonesia has ordered 12 Leonardo M-346 Block 20 light combat aircraft, marking another major step in the country’s long-term military modernization program as Jakarta continues to strengthen its air defense capabilities and expand partnerships with leading global defense manufacturers.

The agreement was announced by Italian defense company Leonardo together with its Indonesian partner, PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia. Deliveries of the aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2030, making Indonesia the 23rd nation to operate the M-346 platform.

The latest purchase follows Indonesia’s broader effort to modernize its air force through a mix of advanced fighter aircraft, training systems and support platforms. In 2022, Jakarta signed an $8.1 billion agreement with France’s Dassault Aviation to acquire 42 Rafale multirole fighter jets, one of the country’s largest-ever defense procurement deals.

The newly ordered M-346 Block 20 aircraft will complement that fleet by providing both advanced pilot training and light combat capabilities.

Advanced Training and Combat Capabilities

Leonardo said the M-346 Block 20 will serve as both an advanced jet trainer and a multi-role combat aircraft, allowing Indonesian pilots to transition more effectively to front-line fighters while also providing operational capabilities for a range of military missions.

The aircraft combines training and combat functions in a single platform, reducing costs while increasing operational flexibility.

The latest Block 20 configuration introduces several significant upgrades, including:

• Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar
• Link 16 tactical data link
• Advanced electronic countermeasure systems
• New precision weapon integration
• Improved digital cockpit displays
• Enhanced mission systems

These improvements are designed to provide greater situational awareness, stronger network connectivity and improved survivability in modern combat environments.

Leonardo said the aircraft will provide Indonesia with “both multi-role combat capabilities and an advanced training platform for Indonesian pilots.”

Designed for Modern Air Forces

Originally developed as a next-generation advanced trainer, the twin-engine, tandem-seat M-346 has evolved into the M-346 Fighter Attack (M-346FA) variant, capable of carrying out both training and operational missions.

The aircraft can fly at speeds approaching Mach 0.95 while carrying a wide range of weapons, including precision-guided munitions, air-to-air missiles, rockets, bombs and gun pods.

Its combination of relatively low operating costs, modern avionics and combat capability has made it increasingly attractive for air forces seeking affordable alternatives to larger and more expensive fighter aircraft.

Compared with frontline fighters, the M-346 requires lower maintenance while offering sufficient capability for air policing, border security, close air support and pilot training missions.

More than 170 M-346 aircraft have been ordered worldwide, with operators including Italy, Israel, Singapore, Poland and Qatar.

Israel operates the aircraft under the designation M-346 Lavi, while Poland uses the platform to train pilots transitioning to F-35 and F-16 fighter aircraft.

Indonesia’s acquisition further expands the aircraft’s international operator base and strengthens Leonardo’s position in the global trainer and light combat aircraft market.

Industrial Cooperation Included

Beyond the aircraft purchase, the agreement also includes the localization of maintenance, overhaul, training, and support services through the Indonesian defense company PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia.

The arrangement is expected to help develop domestic aerospace support capabilities while ensuring long-term sustainment of the fleet inside Indonesia.

Industrial cooperation has become an increasingly important element of Jakarta’s defense procurement strategy as the government seeks to build indigenous defense expertise alongside acquiring advanced military equipment.

Helicopter Acquisition Also Planned

Alongside the M-346 purchase, Indonesia has signed a letter of intent to acquire Leonardo AW149 multi-role helicopters for the Indonesian Navy.

The helicopters are expected to support search-and-rescue operations, disaster response and civil protection missions, expanding Indonesia’s rotary-wing capabilities across both military and humanitarian operations.

The AW149 has gained growing international interest for its ability to perform troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and utility missions under demanding operational conditions.

Growing Defense Modernization

Indonesia has steadily accelerated defense procurement in recent years as it responds to evolving regional security challenges and seeks to modernize aging military equipment.

The country’s modernization program spans fighter aircraft, submarines, helicopters, naval vessels, surveillance systems and advanced communications technologies.

In addition to the Rafale acquisition, Indonesia is also investing in new submarines, naval platforms and expanded defense cooperation with international partners.

The latest M-346 order reflects Jakarta’s effort to build a balanced air force capable of conducting both high-end combat operations and advanced pilot training while controlling long-term operating costs.

Unlike expensive frontline fighters that are optimized for air superiority missions, light combat aircraft such as the M-346 offer a cost-effective solution for routine security operations, training and precision strike missions.

For countries with large territories and diverse operational requirements, this combination of affordability and versatility has made light combat aircraft an increasingly attractive option.

With deliveries expected to begin in 2030, Indonesia’s acquisition of the M-346 Block 20 represents another significant milestone in the country’s long-term military modernization strategy and further strengthens defense cooperation between Jakarta and Italy.