The Nigerian Air Force has formally completed the Factory Acceptance Test for the initial batch of three Leonardo M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy.
Conducted between June 29 and July 9, 2026, by a joint delegation from the Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Defence, the technical exercise verified that the jets met all airworthiness and operational specifications. The aircraft, designated NAF 01, NAF 02, and NAF 03, have now been certified for delivery and induction into active service.
The delivery represents the first phase of a landmark €1.2 billion defence acquisition contract signed with Italian aerospace manufacturer Leonardo S.p.A. for a planned fleet of 24 M-346FA combat aircraft and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters.
Designed as a dual-role platform, the M-346FA serves both as an advanced lead-in fighter trainer and a multirole light combat jet equipped with multi-mode radar and precision strike capabilities.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, noted that the platform will significantly expand the service’s capability to execute close air support, tactical interdiction, and counter-insurgency missions.
Beyond the physical aircraft, the comprehensive contract package covers 25 years of integrated logistical support, spare parts provisioning, and advanced flight simulation tools.
During the visit, the Nigerian delegation also inspected Full Mission Simulators and virtual reality facilities while finalising plans with Leonardo to establish an in-country maintenance hub.
This local support framework is structured to build indigenous technical expertise and ensure long-term fleet sustainment within Nigeria.
