AIRPOWER BOOST: NAF Clears First 3 M-346 Fighter Attack Jets In Italy, Set For Delivery
The Nigerian Air Force has recorded a major milestone in its fleet modernization with the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test, FAT, for the first batch of three M-346 Fighter Attack, FA aircraft in Italy.
The exercise was conducted between June 29 and July 9 at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy, according to a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
Aircraft Certified For Delivery
A joint delegation comprising representatives of the NAF and the Ministry of Defence carried out comprehensive verification of the jets.
Ejodame said the exercise marked the successful conclusion of all contractual acceptance requirements ahead of delivery to Nigeria.
“The successful completion of the acceptance process confirms that the three aircraft, designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03, have met the required contractual, technical and airworthiness standards,” he stated.
Following the verification, the aircraft were formally certified for delivery and will soon be inducted into the NAF inventory as part of its expanding fleet of modern air combat platforms.
Training and Sustainment Deal Sealed
Beyond the aircraft, the delegation held extensive engagements with Leonardo on pilot and maintenance training, logistics support and long-term fleet sustainment.
The team also inspected the Full Mission Simulator, Virtual Reality-enabled training systems and other ground-based facilities that will prepare NAF pilots and technicians for the M-346 fleet.
“These investments will strengthen indigenous training and technical capacity, enhance operational self-sufficiency and ensure sustained mission readiness for years to come,” Ejodame said.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the M-346 as a strategic step in strengthening NAF operational capability.
He noted that the aircraft’s unique combination of advanced pilot training and frontline combat capability will boost the service’s ability to generate combat-ready aircrew and conduct precision strike, close air support, air interdiction and other missions.
“The successful FAT also underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment, under President Bola Tinubu, to strengthening the Armed Forces through the acquisition of modern, technologically advanced and mission-ready platforms,” Aneke said.
The CAS added that the M-346 programme reinforces Nigeria’s capacity to safeguard its sovereignty and positions the NAF among Africa’s leading air forces operating advanced multi-role air combat capabilities.
