Indonesia orders 12 Leonardo light combat aircraft

On 21 July 2026, Italian aircraft maker Leonardo and local partner PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia announced that Indonesia had ordered 12 M-346 F "Block 20" light combat aircraft as the country strengthens its air defence system.

Leonardo said the aircraft would provide both multi-role combat capability and an advanced training platform for Indonesian pilots. First deliveries are expected from 2030. The value of the order was not disclosed.

The procurement follows Indonesia's 2022 signing of an $8.1 billion contract with French company Dassault for 42 Rafale fighter jets. The source report also said an Austrian order for 12 identical M-346 aircraft in late 2025 was reported in the media to be worth 1.5 billion euros.

Leonardo said more than 170 M-346 aircraft have already been ordered and that Indonesia will become the 23rd nation to operate the aircraft.

Indonesia has also signed a letter of intent to buy AW149 multi-role helicopters for its navy. The helicopters are intended for search and rescue missions and civil protection duties.