Austria has completed a 1.5-billion-euro ($1.7 billion) purchase of 12 Leonardo M-346FA combat aircraft from Italy.
The planes, scheduled for delivery at Linz-Hörsching Air Base from 2028, will support both operational missions and pilot training.
Each platform cost roughly 80 million euros ($92.8 million), with the package covering armament, simulators, training, and sustainment services.
Supporting ‘Two-Fleet Strategy’
According to Vienna, the M-346FA jets will allow the armed forces to implement the “two-fleet strategy,” pairing Eurofighter jets for airspace surveillance with a lighter system for competency programs, lower-intensity missions, and support of high-performance aircraft.
The new jets also enable Austria to conduct all pilot training domestically and cut reliance on foreign programs, particularly those in Italy and Germany.
Economic Gains
Meanwhile, the government highlighted the deal’s industrial benefits, noting that parallel agreements with Italy are expected to generate around 400 million euros ($464.5 million) in Austrian orders.
The projects are set to cover aerospace, supplier industries, digitalization, and work across materials, simulation, and sensors.
“The agreement is designed to protect Austrian security interests while remaining compliant with European law: Those companies that offer the best technical solutions should benefit,” Austria said.
“This will strengthen industry, enable new research projects, and secure jobs.”
The M-346FA System
The M-346FA is derived from Leonardo’s Master M-346 airframe and features upgraded systems for improved combat capabilities.
It measures 11 meters (36 feet), has a wingspan of 10 meters (33 feet), and can be fitted with machine guns, automatic cannons, unguided bombs, and various attack missiles.
The plane is equipped with two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines for speeds up to 575 knots (1,066 kilometers/662 miles per hour), a range of 1,200 nautical miles (2,222 kilometers/1,381 miles), and a service ceiling of 13,716 meters (45,000 feet).
