Nigeria is set to bolster its aerial capabilities with the impending arrival of the Leonardo M-346FA aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) anticipates receiving the first of the 24 jets in early 2025, with six units already in production.
Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, confirmed the delivery schedule following his mid-October visit to Leonardo’s facilities in Italy. The initial batch of three aircraft is expected to be handed over next year, with the full complement set to arrive by 2026. Abubakar emphasized the necessity of establishing a maintenance hub in Nigeria to ensure long-term support for the M-346 fleet.
In August 2021, Nigeria placed an order for the M-346FAs. This acquisition, valued at approximately €1.2 billion, represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s defense capabilities. The M-346FAs are poised to replace the aging Dassault Alpha Jet A/E fleet currently in use by the NAF. As part of the deal, Leonardo will provide not only the aircraft but also comprehensive training, support, and munitions. The business will also see Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced defense systems supplying avionics, PESA radar, and munitions.
The partnership extends to the Italian Air Force, which will train Nigerian pilots at the International Flight Training School of Galatina (Lecce) and Decimomannu Airbase (Sardinia). Additionally, Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will supply avionics, PESA radar, and munitions for the jets. Ebony Enterprises, an Israeli intermediary company, has played a pivotal role in reaching out to potential suppliers for this vital aspect of the aircraft’s deployment.
The acquisition is a key component of NAF’s modernization drive and will serve as a lead-in flight trainer (LIFT) for the newly acquired Chengdu PAC JF-17 fighter aircraft, replacing the venerable Alpha Jet A/E on a one-to-one basis. Nigerian student pilots will transition from the newly delivered A-29 Super Tucano to the M-346FA and ultimately to the JF-17 Thunders.
In addition to reviewing the M-346FA program, Abubakar discussed a follow-on purchase of 10 more AW109 Trekker helicopters. The NAF already operates two of these skid-equipped helicopters and expects the next batch by early 2026. These helicopters will be utilized for various missions, including combat search and rescue and medical evacuation.
