Austria has signed a contract with Leonardo to acquire 12 M-346 F Block 20 light multirole aircraft to replace the Saab 105 and bolster airspace security and pilot training.

The M-346 F Block 20 will include a Large Area Display cockpit, active radar, Link 16 data-link, electronic countermeasures, and a full weapons suite, with six years of simulation, maintenance, and logistics support after the first delivery.

The package covers six years of maintenance, spare parts, ground equipment, and comprehensive simulation and training, plus Live Virtual Constructive integration and optional aerial refueling capability.

Leonardo’s Aeronautics MD underscores the program’s international competitiveness, digitisation, interoperability, and the value of collaboration between institutions and industry to meet evolving defense needs.

The broader market context is noted, including comparisons to Korea’s FA-50 and potential light fighter developments, with implications for Austria’s future air power and the question of retiring the Typhoon without a direct replacement.

Investor relations details from Leonardo are provided for media inquiries.

Austria currently operates 15 Eurofighter Typhoons, which face criticism over high operating costs, with ongoing discussions about offloading or replacing them.

The light combat variant is expected to carry a 20 mm cannon, 70 mm rockets, short-range weapons, and possibly a long-range radar-guided missile, though missile specifics remain unconfirmed.

Both the trainer and combat variants will feature an in-flight refueling probe.

Austria lists a unit price of €80 million per aircraft and a total package around €1.5 billion, covering armament, simulators, training, and maintenance to boost readiness and industrial value.

The package includes Full Mission Simulator, Live Virtual Constructive, helmet systems, Link 16, IFF, and air-to-air/air-to-ground weapon options including IRIS-T integration and various pods.

The deal signals a shift from costly Typhoons to an economical, capable light fighter for routine tasks such as air policing in neutral Austrian airspace.