Nigeria is preparing to receive 24 M-346 fighter jets from Italy as part of a major effort to strengthen its air power and security capacity.
The agreement was reached in November 2023 when the Nigerian Air Force signed a supply deal with Leonardo, an Italian defence firm. The contract covers the delivery of 24 M-346 aircraft and is valued at about €1.2 billion, making it the largest single military aircraft purchase in West Africa.
Beyond the aircraft supply, the deal includes 25 years of logistics support. Leonardo will also handle maintenance and technical services for the jets during this period.
The M-346 jets are designed for both training and combat roles. They have seven external hard points that can carry air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, as well as targeting pods linked to helmet-mounted display systems. This allows pilots to operate effectively in different mission settings.
Production of the jets is already ongoing in Italy. The first six aircraft are currently being built, with three expected to be delivered in 2025. Full delivery of all 24 jets is scheduled to continue until the middle of 2026.
At the time the deal was approved, then Chief of Air Staff, Hasan Abubakar, said the aircraft would improve pilot training and increase the air force’s ability to carry out various operations.
The purchase forms part of Nigeria’s wider security plan to address ongoing threats across the country. These include the fight against Boko Haram and the Islamic State in the northeast, as well as the growing problems of banditry and kidnappings in other regions.
The delivery of the M-346 jets is expected to boost Nigeria’s air operations and improve its response to security challenges nationwide.