Nigeria is set to strengthen its air capabilities with the acquisition of 24 M-346 fighter jets from Italy, marking the largest military aircraft procurement in West Africa.
The deal, signed in November 2023 between the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Italian defence giant Leonardo, is reportedly worth €1.2 billion (approximately ₦1.8 trillion).
As part of the agreement, Leonardo will provide 25 years of logistical and maintenance support for the aircraft fleet, ensuring operational readiness and sustainability.
The M-346, a modern advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft, is designed with seven external attachment points capable of integrating both air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.
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It also features advanced sight pods compatible with helmet-mounted displays, enhancing pilot training and operational effectiveness.
Production is already underway in Italy, with the first six jets currently being manufactured.
The NAF expects to receive three aircraft in 2025, with full deliveries continuing through mid-2026.
At the time of the deal, Hasan Abubakar, then-Chief of Air Staff, noted that the jets would significantly enhance Nigeria’s training capabilities and operational readiness across a variety of missions.
The acquisition is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to bolster national security, particularly in tackling Boko Haram and Islamic State-affiliated militants in the northeast.
The jets are also expected to support operations against kidnappings, banditry, and other security threats across the country.
In October 2025, Mohammed Badaru, then Minister of Defence, conducted an official inspection of Leonardo’s defence production facilities in Northern Italy during a delegation visit accompanying President Bola Tinubu, for the AQABA Process meeting.
The Minister visited two key divisions, including the Leonardo Helicopters Division in Vergiate and the Leonardo Aircraft Division in Venegono, which are responsible for assembling advanced military equipment for the NAF, including AW109 Trekker attack helicopters and M-346 Fighter Attack Jets.
At the Leonardo Helicopters Division, Badaru reviewed the assembly of ten AW109 Trekker helicopters.
“Three units are fully completed and ready for delivery, three more are expected by the end of 2025, and the remaining four are scheduled for early 2026”, the Ministry said.
At the Leonardo Aircraft Division, the Minister received briefings on the production of the M-346 jets.
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“Six of the 24 aircraft ordered are at advanced stages of production, with three already undergoing flight tests and three more expected to enter testing shortly.
“Delivery will occur in four tranches of six aircraft each, accompanied by armaments, support equipment, spare parts, tools, and comprehensive training and logistics support”, he noted.
Badaru expressed satisfaction with the high quality and timely delivery of both the helicopters and fighter jets, commending the technical expertise and professionalism demonstrated by Leonardo’s engineers and management.
