NAF Clears First M-346 Fighter Batch for Delivery

​The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has crossed a major threshold in its ongoing fleet modernization drive following the successful conclusion of Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) for its first batch of M-346 Fighter Attack (FA) aircraft.

​Conducted at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy, a joint delegation of NAF and Ministry of Defence officials rigorously evaluated the jets between June 29 and July 9. The successful evaluation clears the initial three aircraft—designated NAF 01, NAF 02, and NAF 03—for delivery and eventual induction into the nation’s combat inventory.

​Meeting Strict Airworthiness Standards

​Speaking on the milestone, the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, noted that the evaluation fulfilled all contractual, technical, and airworthiness requirements.

​”Following comprehensive verification by representatives of the NAF, MOD and Leonardo Aircraft Division, the aircraft were formally certified for delivery, paving the way for their induction into the NAF inventory as part of its expanding fleet of modern air combat platforms,” Ejodame stated.

​Beyond physical inspections of the airframes, the Nigerian delegation utilized the visit to iron out comprehensive logistics support, long-term fleet sustainment, and specialized training programs. Officials inspected Full Mission Simulators and virtual reality-enabled training infrastructure designed to build local technical capacity and operational self-sufficiency.

​Boosting Airpower and Counterinsurgency Capabilities

​The M-346FA—a light multirole combat variant of Leonardo’s advanced jet trainer—is built to bridge the gap between pilot training and frontline combat. Equipped with advanced avionics and precision-strike capabilities, the platform is tailored for close air support (CAS), counterinsurgency (COIN) operations, and air interdiction.

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​Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, emphasized that the acquisition directly supports the service’s doctrine of delivering decisive air power alongside surface troops. He noted that the dual-role nature of the aircraft will dramatically improve the generation of combat-ready aircrews while bolstering tactical responses to security challenges across the country.

​Air Marshal Aneke also credited the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu for backing the armed forces with sustained investments in advanced defense architecture. With the technical clearance finalized, the newly certified jets are anticipated to touch down in Nigeria before the end of the year, further positioning the NAF among the premier air combat forces on the continent.