NAF Boosts Airpower With Complete Acceptance Of First M-346 Attack Aircraft

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has boosted its airpower with the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the first batch of three M-346 Fighter Attack (FA) aircraft at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy.

A statement by the NAF Spokesman Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame said the exercise conducted from 29 June to 9 July 2026 by a joint delegation comprising representatives of the NAF and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) marked the successful conclusion of all contractual acceptance requirements ahead of the aircraft’s delivery to Nigeria.

According to him, the milestone aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces.

“The successful completion of the acceptance process confirms that the three aircraft, designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03, have met the required contractual, technical and airworthiness standards.”

He continued, “Following comprehensive verification by representatives of the NAF, MOD and Leonardo Aircraft Division, the aircraft were formally certified for delivery, paving the way for their induction into the NAF inventory as part of its expanding fleet of modern air combat platforms”.

He explained that beyond the acceptance exercise, the delegation also held extensive engagements with Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot and maintenance training, logistics support and long-term fleet sustainment.

The team also inspected the Full Mission Simulator, Virtual Reality-enabled training systems and other ground-based training facilities that will play a critical role in preparing NAF pilots and technical personnel for the effective operation and maintenance of the M-346 fleet.

“These investments will strengthen indigenous training and technical capacity, enhance operational self-sufficiency and ensure sustained mission readiness for years to come,” he added.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft as another strategic step in strengthening the Nigerian Air Force’s operational capability.
He noted that the aircraft’s unique combination of advanced pilot training and frontline combat capability will significantly enhance the Service’s ability to generate combat-ready aircrew while expanding its capacity to conduct precision strike, close air support, air interdiction and other air combat missions in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

The Air Chief noted that the successful Factory Acceptance Test also underscores the Federal Government’s commitment, under the leadership of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria through the acquisition of modern, technologically advanced and mission-ready platforms.

“The M-346 programme represents another significant investment in national defence, reinforcing Nigeria’s capacity to safeguard its sovereignty while positioning the Nigerian Air Force among Africa’s leading air forces operating advanced multi-role air combat capabilities,” he said.

The statement reiterated that while the Nigerian Air Force continues to modernise its fleet and expand its operational capabilities, it remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, supporting joint military operations and protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians.

“The successful acceptance of the first batch of M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft marks another significant step in the Service’s transformation into a more agile, professional and combat-ready Air Force, fully equipped to deliver decisive airpower in defence of the nation whenever and wherever required,” it said.