Austria has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire 12 Leonardo M-346FA (Fighter Attack) Light Strike and Trainer Aircraft. The LOI, signed on December 28, 2024, marks a significant milestone for the Austrian Air Force as it prepares to replace its retired Saab 105 fleet, which was decommissioned in 2020. The aircraft deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2027, although it remains unclear whether the new fleet will incorporate the Block 20 upgrade revealed at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024. Valued at approximately EUR 1 billion (USD 1.04 billion), the deal encompasses aircraft procurement, ground infrastructure development, pilot and crew training, and long-term operational support. The funding is allocated under Austria’s Reconstruction Plan 2032, an initiative launched in February 2022 to modernize the nation’s defense capabilities.
The M-346FA is a multi-role light combat aircraft derived from the M-346 Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT). Engineered to address diverse operational needs, it is optimized for roles including close air support, urban battlespace air interdiction, tactical reconnaissance, and national defense missions. The aircraft retains the core attributes of the M-346AJT while enhancing its combat capabilities through a radar-equipped platform and advanced onboard systems. Designed as a cost-effective solution for modern battlefields, the M-346FA integrates cutting-edge technologies, including the Embedded Tactical Training Simulation (ETTS) suite. This system enables the aircraft to serve as an Advanced Jet Trainer, Lead-In Fighter Trainer (LIFT), or even as an aggressor and companion trainer. Its compatibility with the M-346 Integrated Training System (ITS), which features Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training capabilities, ensures comprehensive and flexible training opportunities for the Austrian Air Force.
The M-346FA is equipped with Leonardo’s Grifo-M-346 mechanical scanning radar, designed specifically for this platform. This radar offers exceptional accuracy and modularity, ensuring high performance across diverse mission profiles. A robust Defensive Aids Sub-System (DASS) provides passive protection, while integrated communication and tactical datalink (TDL) systems enhance interoperability, with options for NATO-compliant configurations.The M-346FA boasts an impressive array of armaments, ranging from air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions to precision-guided weapons such as infrared, radar, and laser/GPS-guided bombs. Additional capabilities include the integration of gun pods, reconnaissance pods, and target designation systems, all complemented by Helmet Mounted Displays (HMD). This adaptability ensures the platform can meet a broad spectrum of operational requirements.
Key Specifications:
- Wingspan (with rails): 10.14 m (33.2 ft)
- Length (overall): 11.49 m (37.7 ft)
- Max Level Speed (low altitude): 1,065 km/h (575 KTAS)
- Service Ceiling: 13,715 m (45,000 ft)
- Powerplant: 2 Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofans
- Thrust: 2 x 2,850 kg (2 x 6,280 lb)
