Blog

The Austrian Air Force is about to take a significant modernization step: two Leonardo M-346 FA jets are to replace the decommissioned Saab 105.

With the acquisition of these two-seat, weapons-capable subsonic aircraft, Austria is closing a “significant capability gap” in air defense and at the same time strengthening its national training and operational capability. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner explained that in the future the training of fighter pilots would be relocated “100 percent back to Austria”. The project is estimated to cost around one billion euros.

Background: Retirement of the Saab 105 and the consequences

The Saab 105, which was used as a training aircraft for the armed forces for decades, was decommissioned in 2020. This decision led to a significant reduction in air force training, as Austria was dependent on foreign cooperation. A dependency on partner countries arose, especially for the basic and advanced training of fighter pilots. The replacement of the Saab 105 was therefore viewed not only as a security policy necessity, but also as a step towards strengthening military self-sufficiency.

The Leonardo M-346 FA: A versatile subsonic jet

The Leonardo M-346 FA, which will be used in the future for training purposes as well as for airspace surveillance and support of ground troops, is characterized by its versatility. The two-seat aircraft can be equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, weapons and reconnaissance systems, making it a suitable candidate for the requirements of a small but powerful military such as the Austrian Army.

The M-346 FA has already proven itself in several countries. In addition to Italy, Singapore, Israel, Qatar and Pollen also rely on this model. Its success is based, among other things, on the possibility of being used both for training purposes and for combat and support missions.

Defense policy significance

The purchase of the M-346 FA is more than a purely technical decision. They also reflected Austria’s strategic considerations to build up its defense capacities independently. In particular, the relocation of pilot training domestically is seen as a decisive step towards the independence and efficiency of the armed forces.

“By purchasing the jets, we are closing a significant capability gap in our air force,” emphasized Defense Minister Tanner. This is not only a gain in security, but also strengthens the role of the armed forces within the European defense landscape. The step is also in line with Austria’s policy of maintaining an efficient military that contributes to national and regional stability despite its neutrality.

Costs and cooperation with Italy

The procurement project is estimated at around one billion euros, a significant amount in Austria’s defense budget. However, close cooperation with Italy, the manufacturer of the Leonardo jets, is likely to promote not only economic but also diplomatic cooperation between the two countries. Such collaborations are increasingly common in the European defense industry and strengthen technological and military integration within the EU.

Challenges and perspectives

Despite the strategic advantages of the new jets, the Austrian Air Force also faces challenges. On the one hand, the introduction of the M-346 FA requires extensive adjustments to the infrastructure and the training program. On the other hand, the public discussion about the high costs of the project will show how great the population’s support for this investment is.

The decision for the Leonardo M-346 FA shows that Austria is willing to invest in the future of its defense capabilities. The new aircraft are not only a symbol of modernization, but also a clear signal of the independence and performance of the armed forces.