Leonardo poised to offer the new M-346FA light combat aircraft to Malaysia

The Leonardo M-346FA in flight. Photo c/o Leonardo's website.

Italian defense conglomerate Leonardo confirmed that they received a Request for Information (RFI) from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) regarding their planned procurement of a fleet of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

Leonardo is expected to propose its newly developed M-346FA (Fighter Attack) light combat aircraft, which is based on its current M-346AJT Master advanced jet trainer operated by Italy, Israel, Singapore, and Poland.

It is expected that Leonardo's M-346FA will be pitted against the Korean Aerospace Industries FA-50 Golden Eagle, the Sino-Pakistani JF-17 Thunder, and the Hindustan Aerospace Ltd. Tejas, all of which were reported earlier to receive an RFI from the RMAF early this year.

The M346FA "Multimission Master" was first unveiled at the Paris Air Show 2017. It is equipped with a Grifo 346 fire control radar, and has 7 external hardpoints, and is capable of combat missions including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground attack, as well as retaining its core capability of advanced jet trainer and lead-in fighter trainer. It is also equipped with a aerial refuelling probe.

Currently there are no operators of the M-346FA variant although Leonardo is very positive that it will have its first export customer in a short time.

The RMAF included the need for a Light Combat Aircraft and Lead-in Fighter Trainer in its CAP55 program, which aims to re-structure the RMAF into a more cohesive, simplified, and stronger air force. The LCA/LIFT is expected to replace its current fleet of BAE Hawk 109/209 trainer/light combat aircraft, which are expected to be for replacement in the next decade.



[1] IHS Jane's
[2] Asia Pacific Defense Journal
[3] Leonardo Company