Leonardo announced at the Singapore Airshow that it has signed a Letter of Intent with PTE System Solutions Indonesia and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia to cooperate on the supply and support of M-346F “Block 20” aircraft for the Indonesian Air Force, rejecting the Pakistani-Chinese JF-17 fighter jet that is plagued with structural, engine and radar issues.
According to Leonardo, the Letter of Intent follows the Indonesian Ministry of Defence’s selection of the M-346 platform to meet the country’s training and combat capability requirements. The agreement sets the framework for cooperation ahead of a planned procurement contract, which the parties said they intend to finalize in the next phase of discussions.
The program is intended to support Indonesia’s aircraft fleet modernization plan by replacing aging platforms, including the Hawk, with the M-346’s advanced technology and performance. Leonardo said the M-346F Block 20 will address both advanced pilot training and light combat roles within a single platform.
As outlined in the announcement, the Letter of Intent also covers localization of support and sustainment activities. These include maintenance, overhaul, training capabilities, and human capital development within Indonesia. Leonardo said these elements are designed to support long-term in-country operations and fleet availability.
The M-346F Block 20 light fighter configuration introduces a new standard equipped with a cockpit featuring a Large Area Display, an active electronically scanned radar, Link 16 data link, electronic countermeasures, and new weapon systems. The aircraft is designed to conduct both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions while retaining advanced training functionality.
Leonardo said the M-346 platform combines its light combat role with a fully integrated advanced flight training system. This includes a Ground Based Training System and Live, Virtual, and Constructive training architecture, allowing simulated and live flight scenarios to be combined during pilot instruction. The aircraft is also equipped with aerial refueling capability.
According to the company, the M-346 serves as the core element of an advanced training system that has logged more than 150,000 flight hours. Nearly 160 aircraft have been sold to date, supporting pilot training for high-performance and latest-generation fighter aircraft across multiple air forces, including operators in Asia.
Leonardo stated that 20 countries currently train pilots on the M-346 or have selected the aircraft in its fighter configuration as a light multirole platform. The Italian Air Force has also chosen the M-346 as the future aircraft for the Frecce Tricolori national aerobatic team, citing the platform’s performance and maneuverability.
The company said the Indonesian program aligns with broader regional demand for aircraft that can bridge advanced training and operational missions. By combining training and combat roles, the M-346F Block 20 is intended to reduce fleet complexity while maintaining operational flexibility.
PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia will act as the local industrial partner under the cooperation framework. Leonardo said the partnership is intended to support Indonesian Air Force requirements through localized services and training infrastructure.
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