Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has finalised a landmark defence deal with Italy for the acquisition of 24 M-346FA fighter aircraft, marking what analysts describe as the largest military aircraft procurement ever undertaken by a West African country. The jets are expected to significantly bolster the capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as the nation continues efforts to modernise its military and enhance aerial response capacity.
The agreement, reached with Italian aerospace firm Leonardo S.p.A., is valued at approximately €1.2 billion and includes long-term support services, maintenance, logistics and training arrangements. The contract places Nigeria at the centre of aviation modernisation efforts across the region, with deliveries scheduled to roll out over the coming years as part of a broader defence strategy aimed at addressing evolving security threats, including insurgency, armed banditry and other national security challenges.
The M-346FA is an advanced light combat aircraft adapted from the M-346 trainer platform. The Nigerian Air Force’s purchase reflects a shift toward more versatile, multi-role air assets capable of close air support, air interdiction, tactical reconnaissance and advanced pilot training, broadening the service’s operational reach beyond what older aircraft like legacy Alpha Jets could offer.
Officials involved in the procurement have previously outlined that the jets will be delivered in four batches of six aircraft each, a phased approach that allows the Nigerian Air Force to integrate the new platforms into its fleet while building the necessary infrastructure and personnel capacity to maintain and operate them effectively.
In addition to the M-346FA jets, the broader procurement framework includes other new aviation assets such as AW-109 Trekker helicopters, further expanding the air force’s reach and flexibility across multiple mission profiles, including counter-insurgency, surveillance and rapid response operations.
The acquisition underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its national defence architecture through strategic partnerships and modern equipment, and positions it as a regional leader in military aviation capability in West Africa. Analysts say such modernisation is vital given the complex security environment faced by the country, ranging from insurgent threats in the northeast to criminal networks in other regions.
Industry observers note that the inclusion of long-term maintenance, logistics support and training components not only enhances operational readiness but also fosters deeper defence cooperation with international partners. This is seen as essential for sustaining the fleet throughout its projected service life and ensuring that Nigeria can independently maintain a modern air combat capability.
As the first deliveries approach, focus now shifts to how the Nigerian Air Force will integrate the jets into its broader defence posture, including pilot training programmes, base infrastructure upgrades, and coordination with other aerial and ground forces. The move has been welcomed by defence analysts as a bold step toward closing capability gaps and reinforcing Nigeria’s ability to defend its airspace and support ground operations across multiple theatres. (
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