Austria Signs Deal to Acquire 12 Italian Leonardo M346FA Advanced Jet Trainer/Fighter Aircraft.

On December 28, 2024, the Austrian Government announced the acquisition of 12 Italian Leonardo M346FA advanced jet trainer/fighter aircraft, marking a major step in modernizing its air combat capabilities. These aircraft will replace the aging SAAB J105 fleet, which has been in service with the Austrian Air Force for several decades. The deal, executed under a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement with Italy, reflects the strengthening of defense ties between the two countries and signals a significant upgrade in Austria's defense infrastructure.
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The Leonardo M346FA (Fighter Attack) on display at the Paris Air Show 2017 at Le Bourget Airport, showcasing its advanced multirole capabilities as both a trainer and light combat aircraft. (Picture source: Wikimedia)

The Leonardo M346FA (Fighter Attack) is an advanced variant of the M346 Master, a platform designed initially for advanced pilot training. The M346FA is equipped to perform both training and combat operations, making it a versatile choice for the Austrian Air Force. The aircraft can handle a variety of mission types, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, counterinsurgency (COIN) operations, and close air support (CAS). Its dual-role capability ensures that it can serve not only as a training platform for young pilots but also as a frontline fighter, providing a cost-effective solution for both roles.

One of the standout features of the M346FA is its advanced avionics suite, which includes modern cockpit displays, enhanced flight control systems, and data-link capabilities. These features allow the aircraft to provide superior situational awareness, which is crucial in modern combat scenarios. Additionally, the M346FA's high maneuverability makes it an excellent tool for training pilots in advanced combat maneuvers, a critical step before transitioning to more advanced fighter jets. The aircraft's ability to carry a variety of munitions, including precision-guided bombs and air-to-air missiles, further enhances its versatility, allowing it to perform both training and combat missions effectively.

The selection of the M346FA was driven by several key factors, including its cost-effectiveness, interoperability, and operational flexibility. The aging SAAB J105 fleet, which has served as Austria's primary trainer and light attack aircraft, is no longer able to meet the demands of modern air combat. The M346FA’s multirole capabilities make it an ideal replacement, providing both advanced training for pilots and the ability to perform light attack missions. The aircraft also supports NATO-standard systems and munitions, ensuring that Austria remains interoperable with its NATO allies in multinational operations. Moreover, its affordability provides a balanced solution for Austria, allowing the country to upgrade its air force without incurring the high costs associated with more advanced frontline fighter jets like the Eurofighter Typhoon or F-35.

The decision to acquire the M346FA highlights Austria's commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities and enhancing its role in European security. The M346 family has already proven its reliability and performance with several other air forces worldwide, including Italy, Singapore, and Poland, which further reassured the Austrian Government about its choice. The G2G agreement ensures a streamlined procurement process, enabling the Austrian Air Force to receive not only the aircraft but also training, logistics, and maintenance support as part of the package. This approach strengthens the bilateral defense relationship between Austria and Italy and underscores the value of Government-to-Government agreements in facilitating defense acquisitions.

The SAAB J105, which has been in service since the 1960s, has primarily fulfilled roles such as basic and advanced flight training, as well as light attack missions. However, with the growing demands of modern air operations, the J105 no longer meets the requirements of the Austrian Air Force. The replacement of the J105 fleet is part of a broader strategy to modernize Austria’s air combat capabilities, ensuring that the Austrian Air Force remains prepared to respond to current and future security challenges.

The acquisition of the M346FA is not just about replacing old aircraft—it is part of a broader effort to enhance Austria’s defense posture within the European security framework. The aircraft will increase Austria’s ability to participate in multinational defense operations, especially those led by NATO, and will improve its capabilities in countering both conventional and asymmetric threats. By investing in a versatile, multi-role platform, Austria is ensuring that its air force remains capable of addressing a range of potential security challenges, from peacekeeping missions to more intense combat operations.

The G2G agreement with Italy also highlights the growing trend of European nations collaborating on defense procurement. As nations across the continent face budget constraints and the need to modernize their forces, acquiring cost-effective, high-performance platforms like the M346FA allows them to maintain operational readiness while optimizing their defense spending. For Austria, this deal ensures that its pilots are trained on a modern, highly capable platform, while also boosting the country’s overall defense capabilities.

Austria's acquisition of the Leonardo M346FA advanced jet trainer/fighter aircraft represents a significant step in the modernization of the Austrian Air Force. Replacing the SAAB J105 with this versatile, multirole platform will improve pilot training and enhance Austria's ability to carry out training and combat operations. Through the G2G agreement with Italy, Austria is strengthening its defense relationship with Italy while ensuring that its air force is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. This acquisition clearly indicates Austria’s commitment to maintaining a strong and capable defense force, ready to meet the evolving security challenges of the modern world.