NAF Clears First Three M-346 Fighter Jets for Delivery
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.
The acceptance exercise was conducted between June 29 and July 9, 2026, at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy, by a joint delegation comprising officials of the Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The successful completion of the tests fulfilled all contractual acceptance requirements ahead of the aircraft’s delivery to Nigeria.
The three aircraft, designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03, successfully met all contractual, technical and airworthiness standards after comprehensive inspections by representatives of the NAF, MOD and Leonardo Aircraft Division. They have now been formally certified for delivery and will soon be inducted into the Nigerian Air Force inventory.
Beyond the acceptance process, the delegation held strategic discussions with Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot and maintenance training, logistics support and long-term fleet sustainment. The team also inspected the Full Mission Simulator, Virtual Reality-enabled training systems and other ground-based facilities designed to prepare NAF pilots and engineers for the effective operation and maintenance of the new aircraft.
According to the NAF, these investments will strengthen indigenous training capabilities, improve operational self-sufficiency and enhance mission readiness.
Speaking on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition as another strategic step toward strengthening the operational capability of the Nigerian Air Force.
He said the M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft combines advanced pilot training with frontline combat capabilities, enabling the Air Force to produce combat-ready aircrew while expanding its ability to execute precision strikes, close air support, air interdiction and other combat missions in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The successful Factory Acceptance Test also reflects the Federal Government’s commitment under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthening the Armed Forces through the acquisition of modern and technologically advanced military platforms.
The NAF noted that the M-346 programme represents a significant investment in national defence, enhancing Nigeria’s ability to protect 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 safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, supporting joint military operations and protecting the lives and property of citizens, stating that the induction of the M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft marks another important step in building a more agile, professional and combat-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower whenever required.
