This article is published in Aerospace Daily & Defense Report part of Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN), and is complimentary through Sep 06, 2024. For information on becoming an AWIN Member to access more content like this, click here.
Austria is considering a joint procurement with Italy of Leonardo M-346 trainers to replace the Saab 105 aircraft it retired in 2020.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner this week launched a legal review for such a potential partnership and, absent barriers, tasked the military to initiate talks with Italy, according to the Austrian Defense Ministry. Austria said it was responding to a written proposal from the Italian Defense Ministry for such an arrangement.
In a statement, Tanner said she was looking to move quickly.
It would be the latest joint procurement Vienna is pursuing after Austria and the Netherlands used the Farnborough Airshow to sign for the joint procurement of Embraer C-390 transport aircraft. The Netherlands will get five of the Brazilian-made aircraft, and Austria four. Italy and Austria also have previously cooperated on weapon systems buying when Vienna agreed to acquire the Leonardo AW169M helicopter.
Unlike the Saab 105, which was purely a trainer, Austria wants the new aircraft it now is looking to buy to also provide air surveillance and air defense capabilities.
Austria, which has been seeking a new jet trainer for years, has indicated it plans to acquire about a dozen aircraft, and Austrian Air Force chief Maj. Gen. Gerfried Promberger recently said the process was in its final stage. Austria has been considering options including the Leonardo M-346FA, the Boeing T-7 and the L-39N from Czech aircraft-maker Aero Vodochody.
Related Content
