The Italian Defense Ministry has published the sale of 12 Leonardo M-346F (Block 20) light attack fighters to Austria. The arrangement, structured as a Government-to-Government agreement between Italy and Austria, represents a notable expansion of Leonardo's military aviation footprint in Central Europe.

The comprehensive package extends beyond the initial dozen aircraft to include 6+6 additional fighters in options. Austria will also receive a Full Mission Simulator to support pilot training and operational readiness.

The deal encompasses significant weapons integration capabilities, including Diehl IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missiles and Link 16 tactical data exchange network compatibility. The aircraft will be equipped with Elbit's advanced SPEAR AECM self-protection and electronic attack system, which provides limited jamming capabilities against enemy air defense radar sites and electromagnetic links.

These fighters will feature the cutting-edge Block 20 configuration unveiled at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow. The advanced cockpit includes a Large Area Display, an immersive helmet with augmented reality capabilities, and a new low-profile Head-Up Display.

Questions remain regarding the radar system selection, with options including Leonardo's GRIFO-E AESA variant, another AESA model possibly of Israeli origin such as the ELM-2052, or retention of the current GRIFO346 mechanical scanning sensor.

The Austrian Air Force, which already sends pilots to train at Italy's International Flight Training School (IFTS), will employ the M-346FA in dual roles. The aircraft will serve as an advanced trainer replacing the aging Saab 105 fleet while also performing light attack and local air defense missions against slow-moving targets and unauthorized intruders.

The M-346FA's capabilities make it particularly well-suited for countering drone threats. The aircraft's aerodynamic design delivers exceptional performance in subsonic and transonic flight regimes while maintaining maneuverability at low speeds even when carrying external loads. Its remarkable fuel efficiency - estimated at one-third the consumption of typical single-engine fighters and one-fifth that of twin-engine fighters in its class - provides extended loiter time and operational range. These characteristics make it ideally suited for persistent air defense operations, especially when equipped with either 12.7mm machine gun pods or 20mm cannon pods to counter slow-moving targets, including potential drone swarms.

Follow us on Telegram, Facebook and X.