Nigeria Acquires Fighter Jets and Helicopters from Italy’s Leonardo S.p.A
In a significant move to bolster its air combat capabilities, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has acquired fighter jets and helicopters from Italy’s leading defense technology company, Leonardo S.p.A. The development was confirmed by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, in a statement on Sunday.
Led by Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, a team of NAF experts, along with officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, met with top executives from Leonardo S.p.A in Rome to finalize the acquisition of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack (FGA) jets and an additional 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters.
Two AW-109 Trekker helicopters have already been acquired by the NAF, with the remaining 10 expected to arrive by early 2026. The first batch of six M-346 jets is nearing completion, with the next three units expected to be delivered by early 2025.
The acquisition is part of the CAS’s vision to transform the NAF for greater agility and resilience. Abubakar emphasized the need for a maintenance hub in Nigeria to provide long-term support, especially for the M-346 fleet.
The M-346, capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s air combat capabilities. The AW-109, meanwhile, will bolster combat support roles such as combat search and rescue, tactical airlift, and medical evacuation.
The collaboration between the NAF and Leonardo S.p.A marks a significant milestone in the NAF’s quest to modernize its fleet and enhance its operational effectiveness. As the NAF continues to pursue its vision of fleet renewal, this acquisition is a crucial step towards achieving its goals, ensuring a strong and agile air force that can protect Nigeria’s airspace and interests.
