AW149
M-346F Block 20
On the same day, Leonardo and PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia announced the signing of an agreement for the delivery of 12 M-346F Block 20 advanced trainer and light combat aircraft to meet the operational requirements of the Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara, TNI-AU). The agreement, which follows a Letter of Intent signed on February 4 this year, also covers the localization of a range of in-service support, maintenance, overhaul, and training capabilities, as well as human capital development. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2030.
The program will make a significant contribution to the Ministry of Defence’s aircraft fleet modernization plan, leveraging the M-346’s advanced technology and performance to replace aging types, including the seven remaining BAE Systems Hawk 107 aircraft.
Indonesia will become the 23rd operator of the M-346 Master family and the first customer in Asia for the latest Block 20 version, following operators in Europe and North America. Just eight months after the first order was placed, strong and rapidly growing global demand for the latest version of the aircraft clearly demonstrates that it meets customer requirements.
The strong partnership with PT ESystem confirms Leonardo’s commitment to building robust and lasting cooperation and supporting Indonesia’s aerospace and defense industry, while delivering significant local benefits.
Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, said:
“The introduction of the M-346 F in Indonesia provides clear evidence not only of the aircraft system’s inherent quality but also of the country’s continued and yet growing trust in our capabilities across domains. We’re here to stay and further expand our contribution and engagement, in both established and new sectors, to deliver the level of technology the country requires in its long-term aerospace and defence development roadmap.”
The Block 20 upgrade package for the M-346 will not be limited to the aircraft itself, but will encompass the entire system, including the ground-based training system, and will be enabled by the widespread implementation of AI-based digitalization.
The cockpit of the Block 20 version will feature two large, fully touch-sensitive, high-resolution 20 × 8-inch displays compatible with night-vision goggles, one for each of the two crew members. These will replace the six multifunction displays currently in use. The cockpit will also receive a low-profile head-up display. The new displays will be paired with a digital video and data recorder and a new helmet-mounted augmented-reality display.
The new cockpit will be tailored to the human-machine interfaces used in today’s most sophisticated combat air systems and those expected in the future. This will provide significant training benefits by closely replicating the appearance and instrument layout of modern combat aircraft, while also improving situational awareness during operational missions. The Block 20 package will also introduce new navigation, weapons-management, and flight-management systems, as well as a new identification friend-or-foe transponder.
The new cockpit, which remains subject to further refinement, will be installed in the M-346 Block 20 prototype in its target configuration in mid-2027. The final design is expected to be available in production aircraft for the first customer by the end of 2028.
Further key improvements specifically intended for the M-346F Block 20 combat variant will include an active electronically scanned array radar with a fire-control function, the integration of new air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons, and an integrated data link for guided missiles.
The holistic approach to the entire Ground-Based Training System, including multimedia and classroom courses, flight and mission simulation, and virtual and live training, will reach a new standard through the use of virtual reality and artificial-intelligence applications. These will include the combination of simulated elements and scenarios with actual flights in accordance with the Live, Virtual and Constructive concept.
The new configuration standard will also include a Link 16 data link, electronic support measures, new weapon systems, advanced mission systems, equipment and sensors, as well as an air-to-air refueling capability.
The M-346 is a key component of an innovative and continuously evolving advanced flight-training system that has already demonstrated its effectiveness. With more than 170,000 flight hours accumulated, including over 10,000 hours in Poland as of June 2024, and more than 170 aircraft ordered, it enables numerous air forces worldwide, including those in Asia, to train pilots for the latest generation of high-performance fighter aircraft and prepare them to transition to a new generation of combat systems.
The M-346 system has been selected by 23 operators for pilot training, including at the International Flight Training School at Galatina Air Base in Italy, operated in cooperation with the Italian Air Force. It is also used for tactical missions as a light multirole combat aircraft. Thanks to its high performance and maneuverability, the M-346 has also been selected by the Italian Air Force as the future aircraft of the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic display team.
🔴#LDO_PR #Leonardo, PT ESystem Solutions and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia (MoD) today announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (#LOI) for the supply and support of naval helicopters for the Indonesian Navy. The agreement also includes plans to develop… pic.twitter.com/50Ua2AmqVx
— Leonardo (@Leonardo_live) July 21, 2026
🔴#LDO_PR #Leonardo and PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia today announced, at @FIAFarnborough, the signing of a contract to provide the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Republic of Indonesia with 12 Leonardo #M346F #Block20 multirole light fighter aircraft to meet Indonesian Air… pic.twitter.com/4QfkHYdOPl
— Leonardo (@Leonardo_live) July 21, 2026