Nigeria’s Air Power Gets Major Boost as First 3 M-346 Fighter Jets Pass Final Tests

Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its air power have received a major boost following the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the first batch of three M-346 Fighter Attack (FA) aircraft acquired for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

The milestone was recorded at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy, where a joint delegation of the Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Defence conducted the acceptance exercise between June 29 and July 9, 2026.

The development was disclosed on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

According to the NAF, the successful completion of the exercise means the three aircraft have fulfilled all contractual, technical and airworthiness requirements and have been formally certified for delivery to Nigeria.

The aircraft, designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03, underwent comprehensive inspections by representatives of the Nigerian Air Force, Ministry of Defence and Leonardo Aircraft Division before receiving clearance for delivery.

The three platforms are expected to be inducted into the NAF’s growing inventory of modern combat aircraft as Nigeria continues to invest in advanced platforms to address evolving security challenges.

M-346 to boost combat readiness

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition as a strategic move to further strengthen the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force.

Aneke said the M-346’s combination of advanced pilot-training capabilities and frontline combat functions would enhance the Air Force’s ability to produce highly trained and combat-ready aircrew.

He added that the aircraft would expand the NAF’s capacity to conduct missions including precision strikes, close air support, air interdiction and other combat operations.

The development is particularly significant as the Nigerian military continues to confront complex security threats requiring increased air support and rapid-response capabilities.

Focus shifts to training and long-term support

Beyond the aircraft acceptance process, the Nigerian delegation engaged Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot training, maintenance training, logistics support and the long-term sustainment of the M-346 fleet.

The team also inspected Leonardo’s Full Mission Simulator, virtual reality-enabled training systems and other ground-based facilities designed to prepare pilots and technical personnel for the effective operation and maintenance of the aircraft.

The NAF said the investment in training and technical support would help strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous capacity, improve operational self-sufficiency and sustain the fleet’s mission readiness over the long term.

Another step in NAF fleet modernisation

The successful Factory Acceptance Test represents another milestone in the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme.

The development also aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in synergy with ground forces.

The Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, has continued to prioritise the acquisition of modern defence platforms as part of efforts to improve the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

With the first three M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft now cleared for delivery, attention will shift to their arrival in Nigeria and subsequent induction into the NAF.

The programme is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s aerial combat and training capabilities while contributing to the country’s broader objective of developing a modern, technologically advanced and sustainable defence force.