Four years after retiring its Saab J105Ö fleet, the Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte (Austrian Air Force) is exploring the possibility of acquiring new Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs) from Italian manufacturer Leonardo. The M346 model in its Fighter Attack (M346FA) version is the primary candidate under consideration.
On 27 August 2024, Austrian Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner confirmed that she is reviewing an “interesting” offer from the Italian Ministry of Defence for a joint procurement of the M346 aircraft, with the purchase timeline expected to be finalized soon.
Initially, several manufacturers, including Aero Vodochody with the L-39NG and Saab/Boeing with the T-7, were in the running to replace the Saab J105Ö. However, Leonardo now appears to be the front-runner for the contract.
With the Saab J105Ö still out of service, Austrian pilots are currently trained at the International Flight Training School (IFTS) at Decimomannu Air Base in Sardinia, Italy, where they use the T-346A for their training.
Austria is reportedly looking to acquire around twelve M346 AJTs, with the new aircraft set to be stationed at Hörsching Air Base near Linz.
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