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Indonesia Buys 12 Italian Leonardo M-346 F Fighter Jets
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Conflict & Security

Indonesia Buys 12 Italian Leonardo M-346 F Fighter Jets

From CNN Indonesia · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Indonesia's Ministry of Defense has signed a contract to purchase 12 Leonardo M-346 F 'Block 20' light combat aircraft from Italy.
  • The acquisition aims to enhance advanced pilot training and operational readiness for the Indonesian Air Force.
  • Deliveries are expected to begin in 2030, with the deal also encompassing maintenance, human resource development, and strengthening the national defense industry.

Indonesia is set to bolster its air force capabilities with the acquisition of 12 Leonardo M-346 F 'Block 20' light combat aircraft from Italy. The Ministry of Defense finalized the contract with the Italian company Leonardo, following up on a Letter of Intent announced in February.

The Ministry of Defense procures defense equipment based on the operational needs of the TNI in order to modernize national defense.

— Brig. Gen. Rico Ricardo SiraitThe Head of Information and Defense Facilities explains the rationale behind the aircraft purchase.

The procurement is designed to support advanced pilot training and enhance the operational readiness of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU). This move is part of a broader effort to modernize the nation's defense apparatus and prepare pilots for operating advanced modern aircraft. Deliveries of the new aircraft are anticipated to commence in 2030.

Brig. Gen. Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of Information and Defense Facilities at the Ministry of Defense, confirmed the plan, stating that the acquisition aligns with the operational needs of the TNI in its defense modernization efforts. The process adheres to established procedures, considering personnel readiness, logistical support sustainability, and the strengthening of the national defense industry.

Regarding the procurement of the M-346F Block 20 aircraft, in principle, the program is aimed at supporting the needs of advanced pilot training as well as the operational readiness of the TNI Air Force, especially in preparing pilots' adaptation to modern aircraft technology.

— Brig. Gen. Rico Ricardo SiraitThe official details the primary purpose of acquiring the new aircraft.

Beyond pilot training, the collaboration includes plans for localized support capabilities, including maintenance, major repairs, and human resource development. This strategic partnership aims to yield long-term benefits by enhancing domestic industrial capacity and ensuring the sustainability of the aircraft's operational life cycle.

The cooperation in aircraft procurement is also directed to provide long-term benefits through maintenance support, increasing human resource capacity, and strengthening national defense industry capabilities.

— Brig. Gen. Rico Ricardo SiraitThe official highlights the broader strategic benefits of the deal beyond immediate operational needs.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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