Singapore Airshow 2026: Leonardo announces Indonesia's selection of M-346 F

Indonesia has selected the Leonardo M-346 F Block 20 to replace its ageing fleet of BAE Systems Hawk 109/209 aircraft. (Leonardo)

Leonardo has announced that the Indonesian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has selected the M-346 F (Fighter) Block 20 light fighter aircraft to meet its air training requirements.

The announcement transpired during the Singapore Airshow 2026 on 4 February. Leonardo, Indonesia's PT E-System Solutions (ESS), and the MoD also signed a letter of intent (LoI) to co-operate in the supply and support of the M-346 F for the Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Udara: TNI-AU).

“The LoI follows the selection of the M-346 by the MoD to respond to Indonesia's training and combat capability needs,” Leonardo said.

According to the company, the programme contributes to the MoD's aircraft fleet modernisation plans. The plan leverages the M-346 F Block 20's “technology and performance to replace ageing types, such as the [BAE Systems] Hawk, among others”, Leonardo said.

The LoI, according to Leonardo, also includes “the localisation of a range of support, maintenance, overhaul, [and] training capabilities, as well as human capital development”.

“The parties will now move into the next stage of discussions, intended to achieve a procurement contract signing soon,” the company added.

According to Janes World Air Forces, the TNI-AU currently operates 22 Hawk 209s and six Hawk 109s. The aircraft were inducted from 1996 for training, close air support, and light attack roles. The TNI-AU recently downsized the employment of Hawk 109/209 aircraft as front-line assets. In January, the service reduced the number of Hawk units from two squadrons to one.