Austria’s Significant Investment in M-346 Master Aircraft
Austria has announced a substantial investment of 1 billion euros (approximately $1.043 billion) aimed at purchasing 12 M-346 Master combat aircraft from the Italian aerospace company Leonardo. This acquisition is set to replace the Austrian Army’s aging fleet of Saab 105 jets, which have been decommissioned. According to the local news agency Kronen Zeitung, a contract to initiate this foreign military sale is anticipated to be signed with the Italian Ministry of Defence on January 4, 2025.
The Austrian government first indicated its interest in the M-346 aircraft last August, labeling the offer from Italy as ‘interesting’ while suggesting that the timeline for the acquisition was not too distant. The decision to move forward comes after the Austrian Army retired its fleet of Swedish-made Saab 105 jets in 2020, following an impressive record of 254,000 missions and over 156,500 flight hours accumulated over nearly five decades.
Capabilities of the M-346 Master Aircraft
The M-346 Master is an advanced training and light combat aircraft that measures 11 meters (36 feet) in length and boasts a wingspan of 10 meters (33 feet). It is equipped with two Honeywell turbofan engines, enabling it to achieve speeds of up to 590 knots (1,093 kilometers or 679 miles per hour) and a range of 1,900 kilometers (1,181 miles). These capabilities make it a formidable addition to Austria’s aerial defense.
In terms of armament, the M-346 Master is well-equipped, featuring machine guns, automatic cannons, and the ability to carry unguided bombs as well as air-to-air, air-to-surface, and anti-ship missiles. It has an internal fuel capacity of 2,000 kilograms (4,409 pounds), a service ceiling of 13,716 meters (45,000 feet), and an endurance exceeding 2 hours, making it a versatile aircraft for both training and operational missions.
Strategic Location for Pilot Training
Once the M-346 Master aircraft are delivered, they are expected to play a crucial role in securing Austria’s airspace. The aircraft will also be utilized for training military pilots, with Linz Airport in Hörsching designated as the primary training location. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing the operational readiness of the Austrian Air Force.
The introduction of the M-346 Master will not only modernize Austria’s military capabilities but also ensure that its pilots receive cutting-edge training on a platform that closely simulates advanced combat environments. As Austria moves forward with this plan, the government emphasizes the importance of maintaining a capable and well-trained air force to address contemporary security challenges.
