Austria has officially finalized its 1.5-billion-euro ($1.7 billion) agreement with Italy for the acquisition of 12 Leonardo M-346FA light combat aircraft, marking one of the nation’s most significant air defense modernization steps in recent years. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028 at Linz-Hörsching Air Base, where the jets will support both operational duties and full-spectrum pilot training. Each aircraft carries an estimated unit cost of 80 million euros, covering weapons, simulators, instruction, and long-term sustainment.
The Austrian Ministry of Defence stated that the M-346FA fleet will be central to its new “two-fleet strategy,” pairing advanced Eurofighter Typhoons for high-end airspace protection with a lighter, more affordable platform for training, routine patrols, and lower-intensity missions. With the new aircraft, the country will also be able to shift all flight training activities back home, significantly reducing its dependence on Italian and German training programs.
Beyond capability improvements, the government emphasized that the purchase brings major industrial advantages. Parallel agreements with Italy are expected to generate 400 million euros ($464 million) in local orders. These projects will involve Austria’s aerospace sector, digitalization efforts, manufacturing supply chains, and collaborative research in materials, simulation, and sensor technologies.
The M-346FA, developed from Leonardo’s M-346 Master airframe, integrates upgraded avionics and weapon systems for light-attack operations. The aircraft features a length of 11 meters and a 10-meter wingspan, with compatibility for machine guns, cannons, unguided munitions, and precision-attack missiles. Powered by two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, it reaches speeds of 575 knots (1,066 km/h), offers a range of 1,200 nautical miles, and can operate up to 45,000 feet, making it a versatile multirole platform for Austria’s evolving defense needs.
