NAF boosts air power, national security with M-346 fighter attack aircraft from Italy
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has strengthened its air combat capability with the successful completion of the acceptance process for the first batch of three M-346 Fighter Attack (FA) aircraft in Italy, paving the way for their delivery to Nigeria.
The aircraft, manufactured by Leonardo Aircraft Division, passed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) at the company’s facility in Venegono, Italy, where a joint delegation from the NAF and the Ministry of Defence confirmed that they met all contractual, technical and airworthiness requirements.
The milestone is part of the Air Force’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme aimed at enhancing its operational readiness and capacity to respond to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Commenting on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the aircraft would improve both pilot training and combat operations.
“The M-346’s unique blend of advanced pilot training and frontline combat capability will significantly enhance the NAF’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 environment,” Aneke said.
He added that the acquisition aligns with the Air Force’s vision of building “a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces.”
The Air Force said the successful Factory Acceptance Test confirmed that the three aircraft “have met all required contractual, technical and airworthiness standards for delivery.”
Beyond the acceptance exercise, the Nigerian delegation held discussions with Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot and maintenance training, logistics support and long-term fleet sustainment. The team also inspected advanced simulation and ground-based training systems expected to strengthen indigenous training capacity and improve operational readiness.
