M346 Master for Austria?
Four years after retiring the Saab J105Ö fleet, the Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte (Austrian Air Force) is considering an offer to purchase new Advanced Jet Trainers (AJT) of the M346 model from the Italian manufacturer Leonardo in the Fighter Attack version (M346FA).
On 27 August 2024, Austrian Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner informed the Austria Press Agency that she was reviewing an 'interesting' offer from the Italian Ministry of Defence (MoD) for a joint procurement of Leonardo M346s, with a timeline that is 'not that far off.'
Originally, in addition to Leonardo, Aero Vodochody (with the L-39NG) and Saab/Boeing (with the T-7) were also contenders to replace the Saab J105Ö, but the Italians now seem likely to win the contract.
Currently, with the Saab J105Ö not yet replaced, new pilots are trained by the International Flight Training School (IFTS) at Decimomannu Air Base in Sardinia, Italy. Trainee pilots at the IFTS are, not coincidentally, trained on the T-346A.
It is understood that Austria is looking to acquire around twelve AJTs, with the new aircraft to be based at Hörsching Air Base near Linz.
Credit photo: Leonardo