Indonesia has signed a letter of intent at the Singapore Airshow 2026 for the potential supply and support of the Leonardo M-346F light combat and trainer Block 20 aircraft.
Signed by Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense and local company PT ESystem Solutions, the letter follows Jakarta’s selection of the M-346 as a viable option to replace the Indonesian Air Force’s aging aircraft — such as the Hawk 209 light attack and Hawk 109 trainer variants — and address the service’s training and combat capability needs.
A key element of the letter of intent is the localization of maintenance, overhaul, training, and human capital development in the Southeast Asian country.
The parties will now enter the next phase of discussions aimed at converting the intent into a formal acquisition contract.
Dual-Role Aircraft
The Block 20 configuration represents Leonardo’s latest variant of the M-346, fitted with a large area display cockpit, active electronically scanned array radar, Link 16 datalink, electronic countermeasures, an expanded weapons suite for both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, as well as aerial refuelling capability.
In addition to its light combat capabilities, the aircraft features an advanced flight training system, including a ground-based training system and elements that pair simulations with real flights according to a live, virtual, and constructive logic.
This allows the air force to use the same platform to train pilots for frontline fighters while also fielding it as a light combat asset.
Air Force Modernization Options
As part of Indonesian Air Force’s modernization efforts, the service had also been eyeing the procurement of up to 24 US-made F-15EX Eagle IIs, with a signed memorandum of understanding in August 2023.
However, Boeing confirmed during the Singapore Airshow 2026 that its F-15 partnership with Jakarta was “no longer an active campaign for us,” according to Bernd Peters, VP of business development and strategy at Boeing Defense.
Additionally, Jakarta signalled interest in buying the Chinese-built J-10 Vigorous Dragon fighter jets.
In October 2025, AP News quoted Indonesia’s Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin as saying that the country is set to acquire at least 42 J-10C fighters, without disclosing more details.
The Southeast Asian country also expressed interest in acquiring the South Korean KF-21 Boramae, Turkish KAAN, and the French Rafale — operating a diverse fighter fleet to maintain its non-alignment and avoid dependence on a single supplier, although defense analysts have cautioned that it could possibly lead to logistical and operational challenges.
