Austria has completed a €1.5-billion deal to acquire 12 Leonardo M-346FA aircraft, with deliveries to begin in 2028 at Linz-Hörsching Air Base. Each unit costs about €80 million, including weapons, simulators, training, and long-term support. The fleet will complement Austria’s Eurofighters under a “two-fleet strategy,” combining a high-performance system with a lighter, multi-role trainer-combat aircraft. The purchase allows Austria to conduct all pilot training domestically and reduce dependence on Italy and Germany. Side agreements with Italy are expected to generate €400 million in industrial benefits across aerospace, digitalization, materials, and sensor sectors. The M-346FA, powered by twin F124 turbofans, reaches 575 knots, has a 1,200-nautical-mile range, and can employ guns, bombs, and guided munitions.
