Nigeria to Receive 24 Italian-Made M-346 Fighter Jets in Historic West African Defence Deal
Nigeria is set to significantly strengthen its air power as it prepares to receive 24 M-346 fighter jets from Italy in what has been described as the largest Military Aircraft acquisition in West Africa.
The aircraft are being supplied by Italian aerospace and defence company Leonardo S.p.A. under a comprehensive defence agreement valued at about €1.2 billion.
The deal, which forms part of Nigeria’s ongoing military modernisation drive, covers not only the delivery of the advanced aircraft but also a 25-year logistics, maintenance and support package to be provided by Leonardo.
The long-term support component is expected to ensure sustained operational readiness of the fleet and reduce downtime for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The M-346, a twin-engine advanced jet, is designed for both pilot training and light combat operations. It can be deployed for a range of missions including air patrol, close air support, tactical reconnaissance and precision strike operations.
Defence experts say the aircraft’s advanced avionics, weapons integration capability and agility will significantly improve Nigeria’s air combat and training capacity.
Manufacturing of the aircraft is currently underway in Italy. According to defence sources, the first batch of the jets is expected to be delivered in 2025, with the remaining aircraft arriving in phases. Full delivery of all 24 jets is projected to be completed by mid-2026.
The acquisition is expected to boost Nigeria’s capacity to respond to persistent security challenges such as insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnapping across several regions, as well as emerging security threats in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Nigerian Air Force has, in recent years, intensified efforts to modernise its fleet in line with evolving security demands.
Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had earlier described the M-346 acquisition as a strategic investment that would enhance pilot training efficiency while also expanding the Air Force’s operational flexibility.
He noted that the aircraft would allow Nigeria to bridge the gap between training platforms and frontline combat aircraft.
Beyond strengthening Nigeria’s defence capability, the agreement also deepens military and industrial cooperation between Nigeria and Italy.
Analysts believe the long-term maintenance arrangement could help build local technical capacity and position Nigeria as a key defence aviation hub in the sub-region.
With this acquisition, Nigeria is expected to operate one of the most modern and sizable fleets of light fighter and advanced training aircraft in Africa, reinforcing its status as a leading Military power in West Africa.
