NIGERIA is poised to significantly enhance its air power with the acquisition of 24 M-346 fighter jets from Italy, a move that represents the largest military aircraft purchase in West Africa.

The agreement, signed in November 2023 between the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Italian defence firm Leonardo, is valued at €1.2 billion, which is about N1.8 trillion. Under the deal, Leonardo will also provide 25 years of logistics and maintenance support to ensure the long-term operability of the fleet.

The M-346 is an advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft equipped with seven external hardpoints capable of carrying both air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions. It also features advanced targeting pods compatible with helmet-mounted display systems, improving pilot training and combat effectiveness.

Production is already underway in Italy, with the first six aircraft currently on the assembly line. The NAF is expected to take delivery of three jets in 2025, with the full fleet scheduled for delivery by mid-2026.

Speaking at the time of the agreement, former Chief of Air Staff, Hasan Abubakar, said the aircraft would substantially boost Nigeria’s training capacity and operational readiness across multiple mission profiles.

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The acquisition forms part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen national security, particularly in counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State-linked militants in the North-East, as well as in tackling kidnapping, banditry and other security threats nationwide.

In October 2025, the then Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, inspected Leonardo’s defence production facilities in northern Italy during a delegation visit accompanying President Bola Tinubu for the AQABA Process meeting. The tour covered the Leonardo Helicopters Division in Vergiate and the Leonardo Aircraft Division in Venegono, both of which are involved in producing military platforms for the NAF.

At the helicopters division, Mr Badaru reviewed the assembly of 10 AW109 Trekker helicopters. According to the Ministry of Defence, three units have been completed and are ready for delivery. Three more are due by the end of 2025, while the remaining four are scheduled for early 2026, Economy Post understands.

At the aircraft division, the minister was briefed on the progress of the M-346 programme. Six of the 24 jets are at advanced stages of production, with three already undergoing flight tests and another three expected to enter testing shortly. Deliveries will be made in four tranches of six aircraft, alongside armaments, support equipment, spare parts, tools, and comprehensive training and logistics packages.

Badaru expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and delivery timelines, praising the technical expertise and professionalism of Leonardo’s engineers and management.

Nigeria has been ramping up its military aircraft in the last decade. Under late President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian military took delivery of a total of 32 brand new aircraft between 2015 and July 22, 2021.

Among aircraft the Buhari-led administration acquired since assuming office were 10 x Super Mushshak aircraft, 5 x Mi-35M Helicopter Gunships, 2 x Bell 412 Helicopters, 4 x Agusta 109 Power Attack Helicopter, 2 x Mi-171E Helicopter, 6 x A-29 Super Tucano, and 3 x JF-17 Thunder Fighter Aircraft.

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Others were 3 x Special Missions Aircraft from NIMASA – a part of the Deep Blue Project –  which belong to NIMASA but are operated by the NAF, and Armed Drones (UCAVs), including Wingloong II, CH-3 and CH-4.

“In December 2016, the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra handed over the first four MFI-17 Super Mushshak trainers to NAF. Delivery of the first four aircraft came six weeks after PAC Kamra signed a deal with the NAF to supply 10 new Super Mushshaks. Eight are being loaned as an interim measure until the new aircraft are delivered,” said Aviacon, which records military aicraft delivered to African nations.

“All of the Super Mushshaks were airfreighted by an Ilyushin Il-76 to Kaduna on 1 December, and reassembled by a PAF technical team at the airbase. In April 2019,  Buhari inducted two Agusta 109 Power Attack Helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft inventory. The aircraft were unveiled during the NAF 55th anniversary.”