On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, during Singapore Airshow 2026 (running through February 8) in Singapore, the Italian company Leonardo announced that it had signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Indonesian company PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia. The agreement aims to establish cooperation on the delivery and in-service support of M-346F Block 20 trainer and light combat aircraft, in line with the operational requirements of the Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara, TNI-AU).
Photos: Leonardo
The Letter of Intent follows the selection of the M-346 by the Indonesian Ministry of Defence in response to training and combat capability requirements. The program will make a significant contribution to the Ministry’s fleet modernization plan by leveraging the advanced technology and performance of the M-346 to replace aging aircraft types, including, among others, seven BAE Hawk 107s.
The document also covers the localization of a range of support capabilities, including maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), training, and human capital development. The parties will now move to the next phase of discussions, aimed at the swift conclusion of a public procurement contract.
The Block 20 upgrade package for the M-346 will not be limited to the aircraft platform itself but will encompass the entire system, including the ground-based training system, enabled by the widespread implementation of AI-driven digitalization.
The Block 20 cockpit will feature two large, fully touch-enabled, high-resolution 20 × 8-inch displays compatible with night vision goggles (NVG), one for each crew member, replacing the six multifunction displays currently in use, along with a low-profile head-up display (HUD). These displays will be paired with a new digital video data recorder and a new helmet-mounted augmented reality display.
The new cockpit will be tailored to the human–machine interface (HMI) of the most advanced current and future combat aviation systems, delivering benefits in high-quality training by closely replicating the look and layout of frontline combat aircraft, while also enhancing situational awareness during operational missions. The Block 20 package will also introduce new navigation, weapons management, and flight management systems, as well as an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponder.
M-346F Block 20
The new cockpit, subject to further refinement, will be installed on the M-346 Block 20 prototype in its final configuration in mid-2027, with the finalized design expected to be available on the first production aircraft for the launch customer by the end of 2028.
Specifically for the M-346F Block 20 combat variant, further key enhancements will include an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar with fire-control capability, integration of new weapons for both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles, as well as a built-in data link for guided missile weapons.
A holistic approach to training across the entire Ground-Based Training System (GBTS), including multimedia and classroom courses, flight and mission simulation, virtual and live training, will reach a new standard thanks to the support of virtual reality and AI applications. This will include the integration of simulated elements and scenarios with real flights in line with the Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) concept.
The new standard configuration will also include the Link 16 data link, electronic support measures (ESM) and new weapon systems, advanced mission systems, equipment and sensors, as well as an air-to-air refueling capability.
To date, Leonardo has delivered nearly 160 aircraft from the M-346 Master family to 20 operators, which have accumulated more than 150,000 flight hours (including over 10,000 hours flown in Poland as of June 2024). These aircraft are also operated at the International Flight Training School (IFTS) at Galatina Air Base in Italy, run in cooperation with the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare). The M-346 has become the most comprehensive fighter pilot training system available, addressing emerging requirements for cost-effective and efficient combat operations. The latest developments enable further evolution of its unique strengths and capabilities, benefiting current and future users in Europe and beyond. Thanks to its high-performance and agility characteristics, the M-346 has also been selected by the Italian Air Force as the future aircraft for Frecce Tricolori, Italy’s national aerobatic display team.
🔴#LDO_PR At the @SGAirshow, #Leonardo announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (#LOI) with PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Republic of #Indonesia (@Kemhan_RI) aimed at cooperating for the supply and support of the Leonardo #M346F… pic.twitter.com/U4QgY77HNn
— Leonardo Aeronautics (@LDO_Aeronautics) February 4, 2026
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