October 14, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to acquire 34 fighter jets including 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack jets and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters.
A statement signed by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, along with officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, were in Italy to finalise the acquisition of the jets.
The meeting, according to NAF, is aimed to finalise arrangements for the NAF’s acquisition of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack jets and finalise the acquisition of an additional 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters to the two already procured by the NAF.
Akinboyewa said following the Management Review Meeting in Italy with Messrs Leonardo S.P.A. three of the 24 M-346 would be delivered by early 2025, while subsequent deliveries would run through mid-2026.
He said, “In the Review Meeting, the CAS received updates on the delivery schedules, confirming that the first 3 units of 24 M-346 aircraft to be built for Nigeria are expected by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries running until mid-2026. Meanwhile, with two Trekkers already acquired, the additional 10 are expected by early 2026.
“While in Italy, the CAS made a strategic stopover at the Leonardo Headquarters in Rome, where he engaged with top executives to consolidate a long-term partnership between the NAF and the company.
“He also inspected the first batch of six M-346 jets, noting that 3 are nearing completion, and evaluated key support systems required to boost the NAF’s operational readiness. He also stressed the need for a maintenance hub in Nigeria to provide long-term support, especially for the M-346 fleet.
“The M-346 jets have advanced features capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, significantly strengthening Nigeria’s air combat capabilities. The AW-109 would bolster combat support roles such as Combat Search and Rescue, tactical airlift and Medical Evacuation amongst others.
“The M-346 and Trekker acquisitions are key steps towards fleet renewal, in consonance with the CAS Command Philosophy to transform the NAF for greater agility and resilience, with emphasis on the optimisation of force structure and establishment for enhanced operational effectiveness.”
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