Image: from Alex Xplore X @AlexXplore
By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies
Indonesia has formally completed a contract for the acquisition of 12 Leonardo M-346F Block 20 aircraft from Italy, strengthening the Indonesian Air Force’s advanced pilot-training capabilities as part of a wider programme to modernise the country’s armed forces.
The Indonesian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the aircraft will be supplied by Italian aerospace and defence manufacturer Leonardo and used primarily to prepare Indonesian Air Force pilots for modern combat operations.
Deliveries are expected to begin in 2030, provided the production programme proceeds according to schedule.
Baca selengkapnya: https://t.co/oQmdFsNbUH
Kementerian Pertahanan membeli 12 unit M-346F Block 20. Pembelian jet tempur ini dipertimbangkan untuk memenuhi kebutuhan pelatihan pilot sekaligus mendukung kesiapan operasional.
~MS #M346F #jettempurM346F #KementerianPertahanan pic.twitter.com/KJSDojnkDF
— Kompas.com (@kompascom) July 23, 2026
Supporting Indonesia’s military modernisation
Defense Ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait said the acquisition was designed to meet the Indonesian Air Force’s growing pilot-training requirements while supporting broader operational-readiness objectives.
“One of the considerations is to meet the Indonesian Air Force’s pilot training requirements while supporting operational readiness,” Rico said in a statement on Thursday.
The procurement forms part of Indonesia’s continuing effort to replace or reinforce ageing military equipment and align its armed forces with contemporary air-defence doctrine.
According to the ministry, the contract has already been signed and entered into force.
Why Indonesia selected the M-346F Block 20
The M-346F Block 20 was selected because its technical characteristics were considered compatible with Indonesia’s strategic and operational requirements.
The aircraft belongs to Leonardo’s M-346 family, which was developed as an advanced jet-training platform capable of preparing pilots for the demanding systems, speeds and flight characteristics associated with modern frontline fighters.
The Block 20 configuration also incorporates improved avionics and mission systems, giving the aircraft a broader role than traditional training platforms.
Indonesian defence officials believe the new aircraft will improve both the technological capabilities and overall combat readiness of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, commonly known as the TNI.
Preparing pilots for frontline aircraft
The incoming Italian-built jets will reinforce the Indonesian Air Force’s specialised fighter-pilot training fleet.
Indonesia currently depends heavily on the South Korean-manufactured T-50i Golden Eagle for advanced and lead-in fighter training. The aircraft helps prepare pilots to transition from training platforms to operational combat jets such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
The Indonesian Air Force currently operates 22 T-50i aircraft, assigned to the 15th Air Squadron at Iswahjudi Air Base in East Java.
The addition of the M-346F Block 20 will expand the number of advanced aircraft available for training and could give the air force greater flexibility in preparing pilots for a more diverse future combat fleet.
Greater training capacity for the Indonesian Air Force
Modern fighter aircraft require pilots to master increasingly sophisticated radar systems, digital cockpits, electronic warfare equipment, precision-guided weapons and complex tactical scenarios.
Advanced trainers such as the M-346 are designed to reproduce many of these conditions without requiring air forces to use more expensive frontline fighters for every stage of pilot preparation.
The platform can therefore help reduce training costs while allowing pilots to gain experience in realistic combat simulations and advanced mission planning.
For Indonesia, the aircraft will be an important component of efforts to build a larger pool of combat-ready pilots as the country continues upgrading its air-defence capabilities.
Expanding defence cooperation with Italy
The purchase also represents a significant development in defence-industrial relations between Indonesia and Italy.
Leonardo has promoted the M-346 internationally as both an advanced trainer and a light combat-capable aircraft, with versions of the platform already selected by several air forces.
The Indonesian agreement strengthens Leonardo’s position in the Asian defence market and reflects Jakarta’s increasingly diversified approach to military procurement.
Indonesia has sought equipment from a range of international suppliers as it modernises its armed forces, reducing dependence on any single foreign defence partner.
Deliveries expected from 2030
The first aircraft are scheduled to arrive in Indonesia beginning in 2030, although the precise delivery timetable will depend on production progress and the completion of associated preparations.
Before the fleet enters service, Indonesia will also need to prepare instructors, maintenance personnel, ground-support systems and training infrastructure.
Once operational, the 12 M-346F Block 20 aircraft are expected to work alongside the T-50i fleet, strengthening Indonesia’s ability to train pilots for current and future frontline fighter aircraft.
The acquisition marks another step in Jakarta’s long-term effort to modernise its air force and improve readiness across the Indonesian archipelago.