M346 Master for Austria?
September 2, 2024
On 27 August 2024, Klaudia Tanner, Austria’s Defence Minister told the Austria Press Agency that she had received an ‘interesting’ offer from the Italian Ministry of Defence (MoD) for a near-term joint procurement of Leonardo M346FA advanced trainer/light combat aircraft.
The Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte (Austrian Air Force) retired its ageing fleet of Saab J105Ö (Saab 105OE) advanced trainers in December 2020 after 50 years of service, and since then has sent trainee pilots to the International Flight Training School (IFTS) at Decimomannu Air Base in Sardinia, Italy to train on the Leonardo T-346A.
This is not viewed as being a long term or permanent solution, and the Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte has a requirement for around twelve advanced jet trainers. It is known to have looked at the Aero Vodochody L-39NG and the Boeing/Saab T-7A, as well as the Leonardo M346 to meet its requirement.
The new aircraft will be based at Hörsching Air Base near Linz.
