Austria secures Leonardo-Jets: Greens are calling for a prize declaration!

Austria secures Leonardo-Jets: Greens are calling for a prize declaration!

Hörsching, Österreich - Austria plans to procure 12 m-346fa (Fighter Attack) Jets from Leonardo to replace the outdated Saab 105 fleet. The Ministry of Defense expects that the exact costs for these aircraft will be available by the end of June 2025. The procurement is carried out as part of a government-to-government business with Italy and was underpinned by a market analysis, which showed that only the M-346 and the South Korean T-50 met the necessary operational criteria. Due to operating costs and speed, however, the choice fell on the M-346, while the T-50 was considered too expensive. This is reported by the Kleine Zeitung .

The detailed planning included a clear separation between the planning and procurement phase, with experts putting operational requirements into a technical performance profile. The M-346FA is developed as a light fighter plane and is intended to bring the Austrian Air Force up to the latest technological stand. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner had already said in September 2024 that a joint purchase with Italy was considered. The contract follows a declaration of intent in December 2024, which is intended to strengthen military cooperation between the two nations.

Details about M-346FA

The M-346FA is not only designed as a training trainer, but also as a light fighter jet with comprehensive dual-role capabilities. Their use includes various roles such as air defense, close support and education. A total of 12 aircraft should be obtained as part of the agreement, with the option of 12 more. In addition to the jets, the package also includes training devices and extensive training materials for pilots, such as the whole mission trainer and live virtual constructive (LVC) skills. Equipment kits for the FA configuration and integrated systems for modern aerial combat are also planned, so The Aviationist .

The technology introduced in the M-346 in 2024 is considered progressive in the field of aviation. Improvements in the cockpit, new navigation and weapon systems as well as integration of contemporary weapon technologies such as the AESA radar are planned. While the contract is currently still being negotiated, the exact amount of the purchase price is still published.

criticism and challenges

The planned procurement is particularly due to the Greens, which complain that an international tender has been dispensed with and that the purchase price appears excessive compared to other countries. In addition, there are concerns about tailor-made technical requirements that may not be in the best interest of the defense, such as the Kleine Zeitung reported.

The focus on European providers such as Leonardo is part of a larger trend in the European armaments industry, which aims to achieve cost savings through joint procurement and to improve the interoperability of the armed forces. Initiatives such as the European Defense Fund that promotes investments in the military-industrial sector, and programs such as Edirpa are strategic instruments to promote armaments collaboration within the EU, as in ithy