Air Force To Receive New Attack Aircraft After Italy Test

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to take delivery of the first batch of three M-346 fighter attack aircraft from Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy after the successful completion of the factory acceptance test.

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

He said the milestone aligned 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 said.
He explained that following comprehensive verification by representatives of the NAF, MOD and Leonardo Aircraft Division, the three 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.

Ehimen noted that beyond the acceptance exercise, the delegation 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.

Commenting on the successful acceptance, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the aircraft as another strategic step in strengthening the Nigerian Air Force’s operational capability.