Austria to buy 12 M-346FA light combat and trainer fighter jets from Italy

Europe, News January 1, 2025 , by IRIA No Comments

3 minute read

Austria has announced plans to purchase 12 Italian-made Leonardo M-346FA jets, which will serve dual purposes in both pilot training and national defense. The deal is currently being negotiated on a government-to-government basis between Vienna and Rome, according to a statement from Austria’s Ministry of Defense.

The M-346FA is a light fighter variant of Leonardo’s advanced M-346 trainer jet. This two-seater aircraft boasts an impressive array of capabilities, including seven external hardpoints for munitions and targeting pods, and the ability to integrate air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons. It also features advanced helmet-mounted displays for improved targeting, making it a versatile platform for both training and combat operations.

Austria’s defense minister, Klaudia Tanner, emphasized that the purchase would close a critical gap in the country’s air defense and pilot training capabilities. “By purchasing the jets, we are closing a significant capability gap in our air force,” she said in a statement.

“This not only brings 100 percent of our pilot training back to Austria but also significantly strengthens air defense. This increases the protection of Austria, the Austrian population, and our neutrality against threats from the air,” Tanner added.

The M-346FA will replace Austria’s Saab 105 training jets, which were decommissioned in 2020. While the primary role of the aircraft will be to provide advanced training for Austrian pilots, the aircraft’s combat capabilities will also be utilized for air defense, thereby enhancing the country’s overall military preparedness.

The M-346 trainer is already in service with several air forces around the world, including those of Italy, Singapore, Israel, Poland, Qatar, and Greece. The light fighter version, which Austria will be acquiring, has also been purchased by Turkmenistan and Nigeria, further proving its versatility in both training and operational environments. Last year, Leonardo finalized an agreement to equip the M-346 with a 20mm Nexter 20M621 gun pod, expanding its operational flexibility.

*^{The M-346 fighter attack aircraft. (Image Credit: Leonardo/Alessandro Maggia)}*

In addition to its primary function as a military asset, the contract for the M-346 jets includes provisions for offset work that will benefit the Austrian industry. The jets will be stationed at Vogler Air Base in Linz-Horsching, located in the heart of Austria, a move that will have significant economic implications for the region.

Austria’s decision to enhance its air defense capabilities with the M-346FA is seen as a strategic move to reinforce the country’s neutrality in the face of growing regional security challenges. As Europe faces shifting geopolitical dynamics, the need for reliable, versatile military assets has never been greater.

The acquisition of these aircraft marks a significant investment in the country’s defense infrastructure, ensuring that Austria’s air forces remain at the forefront of modern military technology.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer expressed his gratitude to Italy for its cooperation on the deal, underscoring the strong diplomatic and defense ties between the two countries. “This cooperation is further proof of the good cooperation and friendship between Italy and Austria. My special thanks go to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who made a significant contribution to the conclusion of this agreement,” Nehammer said.

The purchase of the M-346FA jets is a milestone in Austria’s long-term strategy to modernize its air force while maintaining its status as a neutral country. As the global security environment continues to evolve, Austria’s enhanced air defense capabilities will play a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s security and sovereignty, as well as reinforcing its longstanding policy of neutrality.