In a strategic move to modernize its air force, Austria has officially purchased 12 Leonardo M-346FA light attack aircraft from Italy.
The agreement was formalized on May 5, 2025, through the issuance of a Determination to Contract (DaC) by the Italian Ministry of Defense, confirming a government-to-government (G2G) deal between the two countries. The contract was signed by the Direzione degli Armamenti Aeronautici e per l’Aeronavigabilità (D.A.A.A.), representing the Austrian Ministry of Defense.
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The contracted package includes not only the aircraft but also a comprehensive training system, logistical support, and armaments, with options for two additional batches of six aircraft each — potentially raising the total to 24 units. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027, with full funding provided by Austria, which will also cover taxes such as VAT.
This acquisition is part of Austria’s broader Reconstruction Plan 2032 and marks another step in military cooperation with Italy, which dates back over two decades. The bilateral relationship began with a military memorandum of understanding signed in 2001, strengthened by technical agreements in 2020, and followed by a Letter of Intent signed in December 2024. The Implementation Agreement, signed in February 2025, established the legal and administrative framework for the acquisition.
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In addition to the 12 M-346FA aircraft, the package includes:
- 1 Full Mission Simulator (FMS)
- 1 Unit Level Training Device (ULTD)
- 8 equipment kits for fighter attack configuration
- 12 Helmet-Mounted Display systems (HMD)
- 12 IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) interrogators
- CBT (Computer-Based Training) suite for 4 students and 1 instructor
- 7 mission planning and debriefing systems (MPDS)
- Simulation stations for pilots and instructors
- Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) package with real-time monitoring station (RTMS)
- Virtual maintenance trainer
- Integration with Link 16 and IRIS-T missiles
- EMAR21 certification
- COM/NAV integration with SBAS
- Full logistical support and training for technical and flight personnel
The armament includes 8 Nexter 20 mm gun pods, 16 LAU-32 rocket launchers, and 8 SPEAR AECM electronic countermeasure pods. The deal was carried out outside the scope of European Union public procurement regulations due to its strictly governmental nature.
The M-346FA aircraft is an evolution of the joint Yak/AEM-130 project developed in the 1990s by Italy’s Aermacchi and Russia’s Yakovlev. After the partnership ended in 2000, Aermacchi — now part of Leonardo SpA — independently developed the M-346, which had its first flight in 2004. Since then, the model has stood out as an advanced trainer and multi-role light attack platform, adopted by countries including Italy, Israel, Singapore, Poland, and Qatar.
With enhanced combat capabilities, including radar and electronic warfare systems, the M-346FA to be delivered to Austria represents the most advanced variant of the family, capable of performing both training missions and real operations with high effectiveness.
Source and images: Italian Ministry of Defense Difesa | X @LDO_Poland
