Austria formalizes acquisition of 12 M-346FA jets in G2G agreement with Italy
The Directorate of Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness (D.A.A.A.) of the Italian Ministry of Defense has officially approved the acquisition, on behalf of Austria, of 12 M-346 jets in the FA (Fighter Attack) configuration as part of a bilateral government-to-government (G2G) agreement between the two countries.
The technical-administrative document, signed by General Giuseppe Antonio Lupoli, also includes a contractual option for two additional batches of six aircraft each, potentially expanding the fleet to 24 units.
The contract is the result of a series of agreements signed between the Italian and Austrian Ministries of Defense since 2001, with particular emphasis on the Implementing Arrangement of February 21, 2025, which establishes the technical and legal foundations for cooperation in the military aviation sector. According to the document, the M-346FA will be acquired by Italy directly from Leonardo S.p.A.—the sole producer and logistics provider of the system—and then transferred to Austria using Austrian financial resources exclusively.
In addition to the 12 aircraft, the package includes:
- 1 Full Mission Simulator (FMS)
- 1 Unit-Level Training Device (ULTD)
- 8 fighter mission equipment kits
- 12 Helmet-Mounted Display systems (HMDs)
- IFF systems, computer-based training, planning and debriefing stations
- Virtual/simulated training capabilities (LVC)
- Integration with IRIS-T missiles and Link 16
- Weapons packages including 20mm gun pods, LAU-32 rocket launchers, and SPEAR AECM electronic warfare pods
The contract also provides for pilot and technician training, as well as full logistical support, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027.
The agreement was formalized as a G2G procurement, exempt from the usual EU competition rules, as permitted under Directive 2009/81/EC. Italy acts solely as the contracting intermediary, with no financial or legal liability beyond administrative responsibilities.
With this acquisition, Austria strengthens its air combat and training capabilities, replacing its retired Saab 105 fleet, and further solidifies its strategic partnership with the Italian defense industry. The M-346FA, in turn, continues to establish itself as a leading light attack and advanced training platform, combining cutting-edge technology with operational versatility.
