The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to acquire 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack jets and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters to enhance its combat capabilities against armed gangs and terrorists in the country.

The acquisition of the fighter jets is part of the NAF’s plan to strengthen its fleet.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, recently led a team to Italy to finalize the acquisition.

He said: “A team of NAF experts, led by the Chief of the Air Staff, along with officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, recently participated in a Programme Management Review Meeting in Italy with Messrs Leonardo S.P.A.

‘The meeting aimed to finalize arrangements for the NAF’s acquisition of the new aircraft. “The meeting aimed to finalize arrangements for the NAF’s acquisition of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack jets as well as an additional 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters to the two already procured by the NAF.

“In the Review Meeting, the CAS received updates on the delivery schedules, confirming that the first 3 units of 24 M-346 aircraft to be built for Nigeria are expected by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries running until mid-2026.

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“Meanwhile, with two Trekkers already acquired, the additional 10 are expected by early 2026.”

” During his visit to Italy, Air Marshal Abubakar also inspected the six M-346 jets earlier purchased by the NAF from Leonardo.

“He also inspected the first batch of six M-346 jets, noting that three are nearing completion, and evaluated key support systems required to boost the NAF’s operational readiness.”

Previous Acquisitions:

The Nigerian Air Force has already taken delivery of several aircraft in the last two years, including:

– 12 Super Tucano

– Two additional DA-62 surveillance aircraft

– T-129 ATAK helicopters

– Two Diamond-62 Multi-Purpose aircraft

This acquisition is a significant boost to the NAF’s combat capabilities, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing national security.

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