The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has led a team of experts from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to purchase fighter jets and helicopters from Italy’s Ms. Leonardo SpA.
The delegation, which also includes officials from the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Finance, will finalize the purchase of fighter jets and helicopters from Italy’s Leonardo.
The platform includes 24 M-346 Combat Ground Attack (FGA) jets and an additional 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters.
This was contained in a statement by Air Chief Marshal Olusola Akinboyeva, NAF Director of Public Affairs and Information, in Abuja on Sunday.
Mr Akinboyeva said two AW-109 Trekker helicopters have already been acquired by the NAF.
He said CAS made a strategic stop at Leonardo’s headquarters in Rome, where it held discussions with executives to strengthen the long-term partnership between NAF and the company.
According to him, Mr. Abubakar also inspected the first batch of six M-346 jets, noting that three were nearing completion, and implemented key He said he appreciated the support system.
“At the review meeting, CAS received an update on the delivery schedule, with the first three units of 24 M-346 aircraft for Nigeria expected to be built by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries taking place until mid-2026. It was confirmed that
“Meanwhile, we have already acquired two Trekkers, and 10 more will be added by early 2026.
“CAS recommended the establishment of a Program Management Office to oversee cooperation and ensure smooth implementation of the project.
“He also emphasized the need to establish a maintenance base in Nigeria to provide long-term support, especially to the M-346 fleet,” Akinboyeva said.
A NAF spokesperson said the company’s aircraft division held an aerial display as part of the visit to showcase the capabilities of the M-346 and highlight its advanced capabilities.
Capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, the M-346 will significantly enhance Nigeria’s air combat capabilities, he said.
“The AW-109 enhances combat support roles such as combat search and rescue (CSAR), tactical airlift, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).
“The acquisition of the M-346 and Trekker is an important step towards fleet renewal, consistent with CAS Command’s philosophy.
“His philosophy is to transform the NAF to increase its agility and resilience, with a focus on optimizing force structure and posture to increase operational efficiency,” it added. (South)
