Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has affirmed that the planned acquisition of M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft from Italy will significantly bolster Nigeria’s airpower and deterrence amid persistent national security threats, particularly terrorism, banditry and economic sabotage.
He made these remarks during a high-level engagement with officials of Leonardo Aircraft Division in Milan, Italy, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising the air force fleet.
Speaking in Milan, the CAS described the M-346 programme as “a critical leap in renewing the NAF’s combat capability”, noting that the platform will expand precision strike operations, enhance pilot training outcomes, and reinforce Nigeria’s regional deterrence posture once delivered and inducted into operational service.
The visit, which took place between January 19 and 20, 2026, formed part of broader strategic engagements with Leonardo, including discussions with the Leonardo Helicopter Division. The NAF’s contribution was supported by representatives from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, reflecting the priority placed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on airpower modernisation and deeper defence-industrial cooperation.
Officials from Leonardo reaffirmed their support for Nigeria’s air fleet enhancement efforts, assuring timely delivery, sustained maintenance support, and expansion of cooperation under the ongoing helicopter and fighter aircraft programmes.
The company’s platforms, including existing AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters, have already played critical roles in counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, and internal security operations nationwide and are expected to continue supporting NAF missions across different theatres.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, highlighted that aligning aircraft delivery timelines with domestic infrastructure readiness will be crucial for a seamless operational induction.
He stressed that early and comprehensive training for pilots, engineers, and logisticians is vital for rapid operational readiness and sustained mission effectiveness once the new jets arrive.
The M-346 programme is part of a broader fleet modernisation drive that has seen Nigeria pursue advanced aircraft acquisitions from Italy.
A separate defence procurement initiative reportedly plans for the supply of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack jets and up to 10 additional AW-109 helicopters, valued in the hundreds of millions of euros, which would mark one of the largest single military jet acquisitions by a West African nation.
For the Nigerian Air Force, upgrading combat capabilities with modern platforms like the M-346 aligns with strategic goals to strengthen precision strike capacity, support pilot training programmes, and sustain a credible deterrent against evolving security threats.
The CAS emphasised that combining hardware acquisitions with structured training, spare parts logistics, ground support equipment and local capacity building remains central to achieving long-term operational resilience and efficiency.
As Nigeria continues to confront entrenched security challenges, including insurgent and bandit threats across multiple regions, enhancing airpower remains a key element of national defence strategy.
Investments in advanced aircraft and international defence partnerships showcase a forward-looking approach to safeguarding citizens, protecting critical infrastructure, and reinforcing stability, which are essential for national development and economic progress.
