During the Singapore Airshow 2026, Italy’s Leonardo announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia, aimed at supplying and supporting the M-346 F “Block 20” light fighter to meet the operational requirements of the Indonesian Air Force. This initiative aligns with Indonesia’s interest in modernizing its air fleet and is specifically intended to replace in-service aircraft such as the BAE Hawk 200, integrating advanced training and light combat capabilities.
The LOI was signed after Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense selected the M-346 as a response to its needs in both pilot training and combat capability. The program will contribute to the Asian country’s fleet modernization plan by introducing a platform that combines advanced technology and operational performance, with the goal of replacing systems considered obsolete and expanding the Indonesian Air Force’s employment flexibility.
The preliminary agreement also includes the localization of support, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, along with training programs and human capital development in Indonesia. According to the parties, after this initial stage, negotiations will move into a deeper phase, with the intention of reaching the signing of an acquisition contract in the short term.
In its light fighter configuration, the M-346 F “Block 20” features cockpits equipped with a Large Area Display (LAD), an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, Link 16 data link, electronic countermeasure systems, and new weapons systems. The platform also includes aerial refueling capability and advanced mission systems, enabling it to conduct air-to-air and air-to-surface missions within a light combat profile.
Leonardo notes that the M-346 is part of an integrated advanced training system that includes a Ground Based Training System (GBTS) and the combination of simulated scenarios with live flights under the Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) concept. This architecture is designed to optimize pilot transition to high-performance fighters and next-generation air combat systems, maintaining coherence between instruction and real-world operations.
The M-346 has accumulated more than 150,000 flight hours and has recorded close to 160 aircraft sold globally, being used by air forces across different regions, including Asia. Currently, pilots from 20 countries train on this platform or have selected its combat variant as a multirole light fighter, supporting its adoption as a proven solution for training and tactical operations.
In parallel, Indonesia’s acquisition context shows relevant developments in other programs. Just days after confirming receipt of its first French-made Rafale fighters, the country reportedly decided not to proceed with the purchase of Boeing’s F-15EX Eagle II. This was noted by Bernd Peters, Boeing’s Vice President of Business Development and Strategy, who stated during the Singapore Airshow that the sale of these aircraft to Indonesia is no longer an “active campaign.”
It is worth recalling that, since 2022, the Indonesian Air Force had U.S. State Department approval to move forward with the acquisition of the F-15EX, and that in 2023 Jakarta formally signaled its intention to purchase 24 aircraft. A Memorandum of Understanding had even been signed during an official visit to Boeing’s production plant in St. Louis, Missouri, where the aircraft were expected to be built.
While there has been no official statement from the Indonesian government regarding the cancellation of the deal, U.S. analysts suggest that the recent purchase of 42 Rafales may have constrained the country’s financial capacity to pursue the F-15EX acquisition in parallel. Added to this are uncertainties related to delivery timelines—factors that may have closed the door on acquiring both platforms, even in smaller numbers.
*Images used for illustrative purposes
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