NAF completes acceptance of first M-346 fighter attack aircraft in Italy
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully completed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the first batch of three M-346 Fighter Attack (FA) aircraft, marking another major milestone in its ongoing fleet modernisation programme and paving the way for the aircraft’s delivery to Nigeria.
The acceptance exercise, conducted from June 29 to July 9, 2026, at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy, involved a joint delegation from the NAF and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). It concluded with the successful completion of all contractual, technical and airworthiness requirements for the aircraft.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said the three aircraft, designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03, had been formally certified for delivery after comprehensive verification by representatives of the Air Force, the Ministry of Defence and Leonardo Aircraft Division.
The statement said the successful acceptance 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 airpower in synergy with ground forces.
Beyond the acceptance exercise, the Nigerian delegation held strategic engagements with Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot and maintenance training, logistics support and long-term fleet sustainment.
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The team also inspected the Full Mission Simulator, Virtual Reality-enabled training systems and other ground-based facilities that will support the training of NAF pilots and technical personnel on the new aircraft.
According to the statement, the investments are expected to strengthen indigenous training capacity, enhance operational self-sufficiency and ensure sustained mission readiness.
Commenting on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition of the M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft as a strategic boost to the NAF’s operational capability.
He said the aircraft’s dual role as an advanced trainer and frontline combat platform would significantly improve the Air Force’s ability to produce combat-ready pilots while expanding its capacity to execute precision strikes, close air support, air interdiction and other combat missions in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The NAF said the successful Factory Acceptance Test also reflects the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces through the acquisition of modern, technologically advanced military platforms.
It noted that the M-346 programme represents a significant investment in national defence, enhancing Nigeria’s ability to safeguard its sovereignty while positioning the Nigerian Air Force among Africa’s leading operators of advanced multi-role combat aircraft.
The Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to modernising its fleet, supporting joint military operations and protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity, describing the induction of the M-346 aircraft as another major step towards building a more agile, professional and combat-ready force.