Seen at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, the M-346FA has been selected by Austria to replace its Saab 105s and to augment its Eurofighters. Deliveries of 12 new aircraft are expected from 2027. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)
Austria has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to procure 12 Leonardo M-346FA (Fighter Attack) light strike combat and advanced trainer aircraft.
Signed on 28 December, the LOI will see the Austrian Air Force replace its Saab 105s that were retired in 2020.
The deal is expected to be valued at approximately EUR1 billion (USD1.04 billion), comprising the aircraft, ground infrastructure, training, and support. It will be financed within Austria's Reconstruction Plan 2032, which was drawn up in February 2022.
It was not disclosed if the aircraft, which are to be delivered from 2027, will incorporate elements of the Block 20 upgrade that was revealed at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 in July.
For more information on the M-346FA, please see Farnborough 2024: Leonardo upgrades M-346 trainer, light combat jet.
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