Naval Helicopters: Leonardo Signs LOI with Indonesian Entity, MOD

Our Bureau - : Jul 22, 2026 - : 3:30 am

Leonardo, PT ESystem Solutions and the Indonesia Ministry of Defence on Tuesday announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the supply and support of naval helicopters for the Indonesian Navy.

The agreement also includes plans to develop local technical assistance, maintenance, completion and training capabilities.

If the LOI is followed by a contract, it could lead to the supply of AW149 helicopters for search and rescue and disaster relief, for both land-based and embarked operations. The programme supports Indonesia's naval modernisation programme, strengthening its emergency response capabilities. It would also further expand the presence of Leonardo in the Indonesian helicopter market particularly in rescue, law enforcement and passenger transport requirements.

The LOI highlights the growing partnership between Leonardo and PT ESystem Solutions, following the launch of the Indonesia’s M-346 F Block 20 light fighter programme.

The AW149 is a latest generation multirole medium weight military helicopter designed to meet the most demanding needs of armed forces and is in service internationally to perform a wide range of missions.

Contract for 12 M-346 F Block 20 Aircraft

Also on Tuesday, Leonardo and PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia signed a deal to provide 12 Leonardo M-346 F Block 20 multirole light fighter aircraft to meet Indonesian Air Force operational requirements. Deliveries are expected to start in 2030.

The contract, which follows the Letter of Intent (LOI) announced in February this year, includes the localisation of a range of support, maintenance, overhaul and training capabilities as well as human capital development.

Indonesia will be the 23rd user of the M-346. The contract also introduces the new “Block 20” standard in Asia, following Europe and North America. Just eight months after the first order, strong and rapid global demand for the latest version of the aircraft clearly demonstrates it is meeting customer requirements.

“The introduction of the M-346 F in Indonesia provides clear evidence not only of the aircraft system's inherent quality but also of the country’s continued and yet growing trust in our capabilities across domains," said Lorenzo Mariani, Leonardo CEO and General Manager. "We’re here to stay and further expand our contribution and engagement, in both established and new sectors, to deliver the level of technology the country requires in its long-term aerospace and defence development roadmap.”

The new M-346 F “Block 20” light fighter configuration standard will be equipped with cockpits featuring a Large Area Display (LAD), active electronically scanned radar, a Link 16 data-link, electronic countermeasures, and new weapons systems. It offers a complete, integrated advanced flight training system with additional light combat capabilities for air-to-air and air-to-surface missions.

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