Austria finalises M-346 deal with Italy

The Leonardo M-346FA with weapons was showcased at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)

Austria has finalised with Italy the procurement of Leonardo M-346FA (fighter attack) light strike combat and advanced trainer aircraft.

Spokesperson of the Austrian Ministry of Defence Michael Bauer confirmed the milestone on 29 November, saying that the EUR1.5 billion (USD1.7 billion) deal for 12 M-346FAs to replace the air force's Saab 105s had been signed, including weapons, sustainment, and training. With an EUR80 million unit cost for the jets, the package also includes EUR400 million in industrial offsets.

News of the completion of the deal came six months after the two countries agreed terms for the procurement, which also includes the option of a further 12 aircraft. According to the Italian Air Armaments and Airworthiness Directorate document published in May, 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.

Bauer noted that the light combat jets will be armed with a 20 mm cannon, 70 mm guided and unguided rockets, short-range weapons, and possibly a long-range radar-guided missile. He did not specify if these latter weapons would be for the air-to-air or air-to-surface role.

The deal is part of Austria's Reconstruction Plan 2032, with deliveries due to commence from 2027. Once in service, the M-346FAs will be based alongside the Austrian Air Force's Eurofighters at Zeltweg Air Base for the first one-and-a-half years to help bed down the capability.

For more information on the M-346FA, please see Farnborough 2024: Leonardo upgrades M-346 trainer, light combat jet .