Austrian Air Force M-346FA Ordered

Austria signed a contract with Leonardo for 12 M-346FA Block 20 aircraft, restoring a jet training and light attack capability lost when the Saab 105 was retired in 2020. The M-346FA combines advanced lead-in fighter training with a precision strike role, and the buy gives Austria a second combat-capable type alongside its Eurofighter Typhoons, whose future had itself been in doubt. The aircraft will be based at Zeltweg. Austria had operated the Saab 105 for five decades before its withdrawal left a gap in pilot training.