Nigeria has stepped up efforts to upgrade its air combat capability, with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) leading talks on the acquisition and induction of the M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft.
The push followed engagements between the NAF and Italian aerospace firm Leonardo in Milan, Italy, between January 19 and 20, 2025.
The engagements were led by Sunday Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), who described the M-346 programme as a critical leap in renewing the NAF’s combat capability.
He said the aircraft would significantly enhance precision strike operations, improve pilot training outcomes and reinforce Nigeria’s regional deterrence posture.
According to him, the success of the programme would hinge on carefully synchronised aircraft delivery timelines and seamless induction into operational service.
According to a statement by Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, the Nigerian delegation included Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, alongside other senior government officials and top NAF officers, reflecting the priority placed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on airpower modernisation as a central pillar of national security.
Aneke said the engagement provided an opportunity to assess the company’s advanced technological capabilities and further consolidate long-standing institutional cooperation.
He commended Leonardo for its professionalism and consistent support to the NAF, noting that modern and agile platforms such as the AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters continue to play a crucial role in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and internal security operations across Nigeria.
He highlighted the operational track record of Leonardo platforms already in NAF service, including the G-222 transport aircraft, ATR-42 maritime patrol aircraft and various AW-109 helicopter variants.
According to the CAS, these platforms have delivered dependable performance not only in combat missions but also in humanitarian assistance, disaster response and other national support tasks.
Aneke emphasised that timely delivery of aircraft, spare parts and ground support equipment, alongside comprehensive training packages, remains essential to achieving rapid operational readiness and sustaining mission effectiveness.
He warned that delays in logistics or training could undermine the full benefits of modern platforms, particularly in a security environment that demands constant readiness.
“At the Leonardo Aircraft Division, discussions focused specifically on the M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft programme, which the CAS described as a major milestone in the ongoing renewal of the NAF’s combat fleet. He said the aircraft would strengthen Nigeria’s precision strike capability while also serving as an advanced training platform that bridges the gap between basic flight training and frontline combat operations”, the statement reads.
The CAS underscored the importance of aligning aircraft delivery schedules with the readiness of the designated Main Operating Base in Nigeria to ensure smooth induction into service.
He also stressed the need for early and comprehensive training for pilots, engineers and logisticians, noting that human capacity development is as critical as hardware acquisition.
In addition, Aneke called for the establishment of a Leonardo Support Office in Nigeria, saying it would improve aircraft availability, reduce maintenance turnaround time, enhance local technical capacity and strengthen long-term sustainment of both existing and future NAF platforms.
He said the proposal aligns with President Bola Tinubu administration’s emphasis on self-reliance, operational efficiency and sustainable defence capability.
Responding on behalf of Leonardo, Andrea Mirteto, Senior Vice President, Sales, Leonardo Helicopter Division, expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria as a valued strategic partner.
He assured that Leonardo remains fully dedicated to the timely delivery and sustainment of platforms under the AW-109 Trekker and M-346 programmes, as well as the expansion of defence cooperation with NAF.
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Aneke, while reassuring Nigerians, said the Air Force, working closely with other arms of the Armed Forces and security agencies, remains resolute in implementing President Tinubu’s mandate to decisively tackle‹ security challenges across the country.
He noted that sustained investments in modern platforms, training and international partnerships are aimed at building a more capable, responsive and resilient Air Force.
According to him, a strengthened NAF will be better positioned to support joint operations, protect lives and property, and contribute to creating the secure environment required for national development and economic growth.
