"Austria plans to purchase 12 Leonardo M-346FA jet aircraft as part of an intergovernmental deal with Italy," the Austrian Defense Ministry said in a press release, RIA Novosti reported.
They will be purchased to replace the Saab 105 training aircraft, which were decommissioned in 2020. It is noted that the budget for the purchase was allocated and approved back in 2022.
"By purchasing these jets, we are eliminating a significant gap in the capabilities of our air force. Thus, we are not only returning 100% of our pilot training to Austria, but also significantly strengthening air defense," said Austrian Defense Minister Claudia Tanner.
The Leonardo M-346 FA is a two-seat subsonic jet aircraft capable of carrying weapons. Austria will use it for pilot training, ground forces support, and air defense.