PICTORIAL: NAF Team Visits Italy Over Acquisition Of 34 Jets, Helicopters

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is expecting the delivery of three M-346 fighter ground attack (FGA) jets out of the six procured by the federal government.

This is just as the Service has disclosed plans to acquire 34 additional aircraft from Messrs Leonardo from Italy.

NAF experts, led by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, along with officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, reached the agreement during a Programme Management Review Meeting in Italy with Messrs Leonardo s.p.a.

A statement by the NAF spokesman, Air Cdre Olusola Akinboyewa, said the meeting aimed to finalise arrangements for the NAF’s acquisition of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack (FGA) jets as well as an additional 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters to the two already procured by the NAF.

He said the CAS, while in Italy, made a strategic stopover at the Leonardo Headquarters in Rome, where he engaged with top executives of the firm to consolidate a long-term partnership between the NAF and the company.

The team also inspected the first batch of six M-346 jets being expected in 2025, noting that three were nearing completion, and evaluated key support systems required to boost the NAF’s operational readiness.

The statement said CAS in the Review Meeting received updates on the delivery schedules, confirming that the first three units of 24 M-346 aircraft to be built for Nigeria were expected by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries running until mid-2026.

“Meanwhile, with 2 Trekkers already acquired, the additional 10 are expected by early 2026,” he said.

The Air Chief recommended the establishment of a Programme Management Office to oversee the collaboration and ensure smooth project implementation.

He also stressed the need for a maintenance hub in Nigeria to provide long-term support, especially for the M-346 fleet.

As part of the visit, the Leonardo Aircraft Division put on an aerial display to showcase the performance of the M-346 and highlight its advanced features.

Capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, the M-346 will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s air combat capabilities.

On its part, the AW-109 will bolster combat support roles such as Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), tactical airlift and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), amongst others.

The M-346 and Trekker acquisitions are key steps towards fleet renewal, in consonance with the CAS Command Philosophy to transform the NAF for greater agility and resilience, with emphasis on the optimisation of force structure and establishment for enhanced operational effectiveness.