NAF advances M-346 fighter Jet programme during CAS visit to Italy

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has intensified discussions on the acquisition of M-346 fighter aircraft for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) during a strategic visit to Italy.

The visit, which took place between January 19 and 20, was part of a broader engagement with Leonardo, Italy’s leading defence and aerospace company, aimed at strengthening defence-industrial cooperation between Nigeria and Italy.

This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

During meetings with the Leonardo Aircraft Division in Milan, Air Marshal Aneke described the M-346 programme as a significant step in modernising the NAF’s combat and training capabilities.

According to him, the aircraft will enhance precision strike operations, improve advanced pilot training, and reinforce Nigeria’s deterrence posture within the region.

He said the engagement aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emphasis on airpower modernisation as a critical pillar of national security.

At the Leonardo Helicopter Division, the CAS commended the firm for its long-standing technical and operational support to the Nigerian Air Force, noting that platforms such as the AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters have been instrumental in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and internal security operations across the country.

Aneke also highlighted the operational reliability of other Leonardo platforms in NAF service, including the G-222 transport aircraft, ATR-42, and various AW-109 helicopter variants.

He said the platforms have consistently delivered strong performance in combat missions, humanitarian operations, and disaster response efforts.

Discussions at the Aircraft Division focused on aligning the delivery schedule of the M-346 jets with the readiness of the designated Main Operating Base in Nigeria to ensure smooth induction into service.

The CAS explained that early training of pilots, engineers, and logistics personnel, alongside plans to establish a Leonardo Support Office in Nigeria, would boost aircraft availability, reduce maintenance turnaround time, and strengthen long-term sustainment.

Responding, Senior Vice President for Sales at Leonardo Helicopter Division, Mr Andrea Mirteto, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria as a strategic partner, assuring of timely delivery and sustained support for both the AW-109 Trekker and M-346 programmes.

Air Marshal Aneke reassured Nigerians that the Nigerian Air Force, working with other security agencies, remains committed to addressing the nation’s security challenges through continued investment in modern platforms, training, and strategic partnerships.