NAF Set to Receive Initial Sophisticated M‑346 Fighter‑Attack Aircraft from Italy
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has achieved another milestone in its ongoing fleet modernisation programme with the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the first batch of three M-346 Fighter Attack (FA) aircraft, clearing them for delivery to Nigeria.
The acceptance exercise, conducted between 29 June and 9 July 2026 at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy, was undertaken by a joint delegation comprising officials of the Nigerian Air Force and the Federal Ministry of Defence.
According to the NAF, the exercise successfully concluded all contractual acceptance requirements, marking a significant step towards the induction of the aircraft into the Service’s expanding inventory of modern combat platforms.
The three aircraft, designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03, were certified for delivery after comprehensive inspections and verification by representatives of the Nigerian Air Force, the Ministry of Defence and Leonardo Aircraft Division. The certification confirmed that the aircraft met all contractual, technical and airworthiness requirements.
The milestone, the Air Force said, aligns with the command philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, which is focused on building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in synergy with ground forces.
Beyond the acceptance exercise, the Nigerian delegation held strategic engagements with Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot training, maintenance, logistics support and long-term fleet sustainment.
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The team also inspected the Full Mission Simulator, virtual reality-enabled training systems and other advanced ground-based training facilities designed to prepare Nigerian pilots and technical personnel for the effective operation and maintenance of the M-346 fleet.
The Air Force noted that these training investments would strengthen indigenous technical capacity, improve operational self-sufficiency and sustain mission readiness over the long term.
Commenting on the development, Air Marshal Aneke described the acquisition of the M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft as another strategic milestone in enhancing the operational capability of the Nigerian Air Force.
He said the aircraft’s dual capability as an advanced pilot training platform and frontline combat aircraft would significantly improve the Air Force’s ability to produce combat-ready aircrew while expanding its capacity to execute precision strikes, close air support, air interdiction and other combat missions in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The Air Force also described the successful Factory Acceptance Test as a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces through the acquisition of modern and technologically advanced military platforms.
According to the NAF, the M-346 programme represents a major investment in national defence, enhancing Nigeria’s ability to safeguard its sovereignty while positioning the Service among Africa’s leading air forces operating advanced multi-role combat aircraft.
The Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to modernising its fleet, supporting joint military operations and protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity, noting that the successful acceptance of the first batch of M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft marks another important step in its transformation into a more agile, professional and combat-ready force.
The statement was signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force.
By PRNigeria
