At Singapore Airshow 2026, Leonardo took a significant step toward strengthening Indonesia’s air power, announcing the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the M-346 F “Block 20” aircraft.

Leonardo confirmed the agreement with PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia during the Singapore Airshow 2026. The LOI outlines cooperation on the supply and long-term support of the M-346 F “Block 20” aircraft to meet the Indonesian Air Force’s training and operational requirements.

The announcement follows the Indonesian Ministry of Defence’s selection of the M-346 platform to address advanced pilot training and light combat capability needs. The programme is expected to play a key role in Indonesia’s broader aircraft fleet modernisation strategy, enabling the replacement of ageing platforms such as the BAE Systems Hawk while introducing advanced technologies aligned with next-generation air combat requirements.

Beyond aircraft acquisition, the LOI places strong emphasis on localisation. It includes provisions for domestic support, maintenance and overhaul capabilities, comprehensive training solutions and human capital development within Indonesia. With the LOI now signed, all parties will move into the next phase of negotiations with the goal of concluding a formal procurement contract in the near term.

The M-346 F “Block 20” represents the latest evolution of Leonardo’s proven jet trainer and light fighter platform. The configuration features a modern cockpit equipped with a Large Area Display (LAD), an active electronically scanned array radar, Link 16 data-link capability, electronic countermeasures and a new generation of weapons systems. These enhancements allow the aircraft to perform advanced training while also delivering credible air-to-air and air-to-surface combat capability.

A key strength of the M-346 lies in its fully integrated training ecosystem. The aircraft is supported by Leonardo’s Ground Based Training System (GBTS), which combines high-fidelity simulators, synthetic training environments and real-flight operations under a Live Virtual and Constructive (LVC) training framework. This approach enables air forces to reduce operational costs while maximising pilot readiness and combat effectiveness. The M-346 F further expands its operational flexibility with advanced mission systems, modern sensors and aerial refuelling capability.

Globally, the M-346 has established itself as one of the most successful advanced jet training platforms currently in service. The fleet has accumulated more than 150,000 flight hours with nearly 160 aircraft sold worldwide. The system is used by multiple air forces to prepare pilots for high-performance fourth- and fifth-generation fighter aircraft and to support the transition toward future combat air systems.

Currently, pilots from 20 countries train on the M-346 including those participating in Italy’s International Flight Training School. Several operators have also selected the fighter variant of the aircraft as a light multirole platform. Reflecting its performance and agility the Italian Air Force has chosen the M-346 as the future aircraft for the “Frecce Tricolori” Italy’s national aerobatic display team.

With the signing of this LOI Indonesia moves closer to introducing a versatile and combat-proven platform that bridges advanced training and frontline operational capability while Leonardo further strengthens its footprint in the Asia-Pacific defence aviation market.