The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has achieved a major milestone in its ongoing fleet modernisation programme with the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the first batch of three M-346 Fighter Attack (FA) aircraft, clearing the advanced combat platforms for delivery to Nigeria.
The acceptance exercise, conducted between June 29 and July 9, 2026, at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy, was carried out by a joint delegation comprising officials of the NAF and the Federal Ministry of Defence.
The successful completion of the process marks the fulfilment of all contractual, technical and airworthiness requirements ahead of the induction of the aircraft into the Nigerian Air Force inventory, further strengthening the country’s air combat capability.
The three aircraft, designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03, were certified after comprehensive inspections and verification by representatives of the Nigerian Air Force, the Ministry of Defence and Leonardo Aircraft Division.
Their certification paves the way for their formal delivery and operational deployment as part of the Air Force’s expanding fleet of modern combat aircraft.
Beyond the acceptance exercise, the Nigerian delegation held strategic engagements with Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot training, maintenance, logistics support and long-term fleet sustainment aimed at ensuring the effective operation of the aircraft.
The team also inspected the Full Mission Simulator, virtual reality-enabled training systems and other advanced ground-based training facilities designed to build the capacity of Nigerian pilots and technical personnel.
The Nigerian Air Force said the investment in training infrastructure would strengthen indigenous technical expertise, improve operational self-sufficiency and sustain mission readiness.
Commenting on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition of the M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft as a strategic boost to the operational capability of the Service.
He said the aircraft’s dual-role capability as both an advanced trainer and frontline combat platform would significantly improve the Air Force’s ability to produce combat-ready pilots while enhancing its capacity to execute precision strike operations, close air support, air interdiction and other combat missions in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The successful acceptance of the aircraft also reflects the Federal Government’s continued investment in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the acquisition of modern, technologically advanced military platforms.
According to the Air Force, the M-346 programme represents another significant step in enhancing Nigeria’s defence capability, reinforcing national sovereignty and positioning the NAF among Africa’s leading air forces operating advanced multi-role combat aircraft.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to modernising its fleet, supporting joint military operations and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, noting that the induction of the M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft marks another significant milestone in its transformation into a more agile, professional and combat-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in defence of the nation.
