Nigerian Air Force Acquires 24 M-346 Fighter Jets and 12 AW-109 Trekker Helicopters to Boost Combat Power
By Lawrence Bilal Audu
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken a significant step towards enhancing its combat capabilities with the procurement of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack jets and 12 AW-109 Trekker helicopters from Italian defense company Leonardo S.p.A.
In a statement, Air Commodore Olusola F. Akinboyewa, the Director Public Relations and Information said, a team of NAF experts, led by Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, recently met with Leonardo S.p.A. officials in Italy to finalize the acquisition. The visit he said, included a strategic stopover at Leonardo’s headquarters in Rome, where Air Marshal Abubakar engaged with top executives to solidify the partnership between the NAF and Leonardo.
During the Programme Management Review Meeting, Air Marshal Abubakar received updates on the delivery schedules. The first three M-346 jets are expected to arrive in Nigeria by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries continuing until mid-2026. The additional 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters will join the two already procured by the NAF, with delivery expected by early 2026.
The M-346 Fighter Ground Attack jets will significantly enhance Nigeria’s air combat capabilities. These advanced jets are capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, making them a valuable addition to the NAF’s fleet.
The acquisition aligns with the CAS Command Philosophy to transform the NAF for greater agility and resilience. Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized the need for a maintenance hub in Nigeria to provide long-term support, particularly for the M-346 fleet. This move demonstrates the NAF’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities and protecting Nigeria’s interests.
