Austria agrees M-346FA terms with Italy
The Leonardo M-346FA with weapons was showcased at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)
Austria has agreed terms with Italy for the procurement of Leonardo M-346FA (fighter attack) light strike combat and advanced trainer aircraft.
An Italian Air Armaments and Airworthiness Directorate document published on 21 May outlined the agreement between the two countries that will see Austria acquire 12 M-346FA aircraft, with an option for 12 more.
According to the document, of the initial 12 aircraft to be contracted, eight will receive role equipment for the light combat mission, with the remaining four serving as trainers. It is unclear if this split will carry over for the optional aircraft.
The milestone came five months after Austria approved the procurement with a letter of intent (LOI) in late December 2024. The deal, which is part of Austria's Reconstruction Plan 2032, is expected to be valued at approximately EUR1 billion (USD1.13 billion) when finalised.
Deliveries are due to commence from 2027.
For more information on the M-346FA, please seeFarnborough 2024: Leonardo upgrades M-346 trainer, light combat jet .
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