NAF boosts combat power, as CAS leads technical team to Italy for jet and helicopter procurement

A high-level Nigerian Air Force (NAF) delegation, led by Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has concluded a strategic visit to Italy as part of efforts to enhance the nation’s air combat capabilities.

In a statement, Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force Headquarters Air Commodore Olusola F. Akinboyewa said the team, which included officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, participated in a Programme Management Review Meeting with Leonardo S.p.A., the aerospace company.

He said the discussions centered around the acquisition of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack (FGA) jets and 10 additional AW-109 Trekker helicopters, complementing the two already procured by the NAF.

During the visit, Air Marshal Abubakar inspected the first batch of six M-346 jets under production, noting that three are nearing completion, with initial deliveries expected by early 2025 and subsequent aircraft arriving by mid-2026.

Advertisement

The CAS emphasized the need for a Programme Management Office to oversee the project and ensure smooth implementation. He also advocated for establishing a maintenance hub in Nigeria to support the long-term upkeep of the M-346 fleet.

The visit included an aerial demonstration of the M-346’s advanced features, showcasing its air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities. The AW-109 helicopters, designed for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), tactical airlift, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), will also play a critical role in bolstering the NAF’s operational readiness.

The acquisition aligns with the CAS’s vision to transform the NAF into a more agile and resilient force, focused on optimizing its structure for enhanced operational effectiveness.