Austria to Acquire Italian-Made M-346 Fighter Jets

Austria has announced plans to purchase 12 Italian-made M-346 FA fighter jets to replace its outdated fleet of Saab 105 aircraft, which were decommissioned at the end of 2020. The decision marks a significant step in Austria’s efforts to modernize its air force and enhance its defense capabilities.

The Austrian government revealed that negotiations are underway with the Italian government to finalize the details of the contract. The aircraft, manufactured by Leonardo, Italy’s leading aerospace and defense company, are highly versatile and capable of performing various roles, including pilot training, ground support, and air defense missions.

A letter of intent was reportedly set to be signed on Saturday between the Austrian Defense Ministry and the Italian Defense Ministry. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer highlighted the importance of the deal, emphasizing the strength of Austria’s partnership with Italy.

“This agreement is a testament to the excellent cooperation between our two nations. My special thanks go to [Italian] Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose significant contributions helped bring this agreement to fruition,” Nehammer said in a statement.

The M-346 FA (Fighter Attack) is a cutting-edge fighter jet that offers advanced capabilities for a variety of missions. Known for its agility and precision, the M-346 FA is an excellent choice for countries looking to bolster their air force while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

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For Austria, the jets will play a crucial role in several key areas:

1. Pilot Training: The M-346 is equipped with state-of-the-art simulation technology, making it ideal for training future fighter pilots.
2. Support for Ground Forces: With its advanced targeting and weapon systems, the M-346 can provide critical support to troops on the ground.
3. Air Defense: As Austria looks to strengthen its airspace security, the M-346’s multi-role capabilities will help address modern threats.

Although the exact cost of the purchase is still under negotiation, Austria has allocated approximately 1 billion euros ($1.04 billion) for the acquisition. This investment underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing its military infrastructure and ensuring that its armed forces are equipped to meet contemporary challenges.

The partnership with Leonardo also reflects Austria’s strategy to foster closer ties with European allies, ensuring streamlined logistics and shared expertise in defense technology.

The purchase of the M-346 FA jets signals a new chapter for Austria’s air force, which has faced limitations since retiring its Saab 105 fleet in 2020. The move addresses a critical gap in Austria’s military capabilities and ensures the nation remains prepared to handle a wide range of operational demands.

Beyond military implications, the deal also strengthens diplomatic ties between Austria and Italy, highlighting the importance of European cooperation in defense and security matters.

REUTERS