Indonesia to sign contract for 12 M-346Fs in early July
Leonardo and PT E-Systems Solutions are set to sign a contract in Jakarta in early July for 12 m-346Fs on behalf of the Indonesian Ministry of Defence. The first tranche is scheduled for delivery by early 2028, and a second batch of 24 M-346Fs is set to follow in February 2027.
Jakarta contract in July
The deal follows Indonesia’s late-2025 selection of the M-346F for light combat and pilot training, after the aircraft beat the TAI Hurjet and Korean Aerospace Industries FA-50. Indonesia also signed a letter of intent with Leonardo at the Singapore Air Show in February 2026 to acquire 18 M346Fs, later increased to 36.
PT E-Systems Solutions has been tasked to acquire new generation trainer aircraft in its role as an authorised Indonesian defence contractor. It will support maintenance, logistics and tactical flying as part of the TNI-AU’s new Air Warfare Centre.
PT E-Systems role
The Indonesian package goes beyond an aircraft purchase. PT E-Systems Solutions will integrate its own Indonesian designed Self Protection Jammer, qualify the Diehl IRIS-T short range air-to-air missile, and integrate an indigenous data-link for targeting and cueing distribution. It will also integrate an indigenous light MK-V Delta cruise missile.
PT E-Systems Solutions will participate in flight testing and in the qualification of Leonardo’s new ITAR-free Airborne Electronically Scanned Array Grifo E600. The M-346Fs are described as more capable than the 23 surviving TNI-AU F-16C/D Block 52s equipped with the older APG-68 (V) radar.
Indonesia's wider M-346 plan
Leonardo’s M346 is receiving an update of the entire trainer system with enhanced digitalisation and artificial intelligence. The aircraft already has three customers: Canada, Austria and Indonesia.
Canada’s International Test Pilots School is set to receive six M-346T advanced jet trainers with options for six more, after the order announced in May 2026. Austria ordered 12 M-346F light fighters in December 2025, and Indonesia’s planned contract now moves the type closer to service in a second national fleet role.
