Nigerian Air Force to deploy 24 advanced M-346FA fighters to combat insurgency

Nigeria has reached a final agreement with Italian aerospace giant Leonardo S.p.A. for the delivery of 24 M-346FA Fighter Attack aircraft. This €1.2 billion deal, which is approximately ₦1.8 trillion is currently the largest single military aircraft acquisition in West African history.
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The M-346FA is a 21st-century dual-role platform, serving both as an advanced pilot trainer and a potent light-attack fighter, which is totally different from the decade-long NAF aging Alpha Jet for close air support. The deal was initially set in motion in late 2023, following a series of inspections by Nigerian defense officials at Leonardo’s facilities in Italy.
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This deal includes a quarter-century of logistical support, with Leonardo holding exclusive rights for maintenance and technical operations to ensure asortie flight rate.
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The M-346FA features seven external attachment points for air-to-air and precision-guided air-to-ground munitions. It is equipped with the Grifo-M-346 multi-mode radar and integrated helmet-mounted displays, giving Nigerian pilots an edge in situational awareness.
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The first six jets are already in the advanced production stage. Three aircraft are meant to arrive this year, with the remainder of the 24-jet fleet scheduled for delivery in batches mid-2026.
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The Chief of Air Staff, Hasan Abubakar, has stated that the M-346FA will boost the training capabilities and augment operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force by targeting bandit camps with higher precision and lower risk of collateral damage.
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