JAKARTA: Indonesia has signed a contract to acquire 12 M-346 F Block 20 (pic) fighter trainer aircraft from Italian defence company Leonardo as part of efforts to strengthen pilot training and modernise the Indonesian Air Force.
Head of the Defence Information Bureau at Indonesia's Defence Ministry, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, said the purchase contract had already been signed and entered into effect, with deliveries of the 12 aircraft expected to begin in 2030 if the programme proceeds as planned.
He said the fighter trainer aircraft was selected because its specifications and capabilities were compatible with the Indonesian military's air defence doctrine.
"One of the considerations is to meet the Indonesian Air Force's pilot training requirements while also supporting operational readiness,” he said, according to Antara news agency. - Bernama
