Leonardo and PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia announced the signing of a contract to provide the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of Indonesia with 12 Leonardo M-346 F “Block 20” multirole light fighter aircraft to meet Indonesian Air Force operational requirements. The contract, which follows the Letter of Intent (LOI) announced in February this year, includes the localisation of a range of support, maintenance, overhaul and training capabilities as well as human capital development. Deliveries are expected to start in 2030.
The programme will provide a major contribution to the Indonesian MoD’s aircraft fleet modernisation plan, leveraging the M-346 advanced technology and performance. The M-346 F Block 20 will provide multirole combat capabilities and enable advanced training for Indonesian pilots. Indonesia will be the 23rd user of the M-346. The contract also introduces the new “Block 20” standard in Asia, following Europe and North America. Just eight months after the first order, strong and rapid global demand for the latest version of the aircraft clearly demonstrates it is meeting customer requirements.
Lorenzo Mariani, Leonardo CEO and General Manager 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 new M-346 F “Block 20” light fighter configuration standard will be equipped with cockpits featuring a Large Area Display (LAD), active electronically scanned radar, a Link 16 data-link, electronic countermeasures, and new weapons systems. It offers a complete, integrated advanced flight training system, including a GBTS (Ground Based Training System) – combined simulated elements and scenarios with real flights according to a Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) logic – with additional light combat capabilities for air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, enabled by advanced mission systems, equipment, and sensors, including aerial refuelling capability.
The M-346 system has been selected by 23 users to train their pilots, including at Italy’s International Flight Training School. It is also used to perform tactical operations as a light multirole fighter. Thanks to its high-performance capabilities and manoeuvrability, the M 346 has also been chosen by the Italian Air Force as the future aircraft for the “Frecce Tricolori”, Italy’s national aerobatic team.
Leonardo, PT ESystem Solutions sign deal for AW149 helicopters
Leonardo, PT ESystem Solutions and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia (MoD) 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 local technical assistance, maintenance, completion and training capabilities. If followed by a contract, this could lead to the supply of AW149 helicopters for search and rescue and disaster relief, for both land-based and embarked operations. The programme supports Indonesia’s naval modernisation programme, strengthening its emergency response capabilities. It would also further expand the presence of Leonardo in the Indonesian helicopter market particularly in rescue, law enforcement and passenger transport requirements.
The LOI highlights the growing partnership between Leonardo and PT ESystem Solutions, following the launch of the Indonesia’s M-346 F Block 20 light fighter programme. It shows continued confidence by Indonesia’s MoD in Leonardo’s products and technologies as well as in the company’s commitment to providing a major contribution to the growth of the country’s national aerospace and defence industry. The AW149 is a latest generation multirole medium weight military helicopter designed to meet the most demanding needs of armed forces and is in service internationally to perform a wide range of mission including tactical transport, utility, close support, MEDEVAC/CASEVAC, SAR and Combat Search and Rescue. Its selection in Indonesia would further strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia.
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