Abuja, Nigeria – October 14, 2024 – Nigeria’s air force is significantly expanding its capabilities with the acquisition of Italian-made aircraft. A spokesperson announced on Monday that the force is purchasing 24 M-346 attack jets and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters.
According to Air Force spokesperson Olusola Akinboyewa, a delegation led by Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff, met with executives from Leonardo S.p.A., the Italian manufacturer, in Rome. During the meeting, the company confirmed that the first three M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered by early 2025. Subsequent deliveries will continue until mid-2026. The Trekker helicopters are also anticipated to arrive by early 2026.
Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized the importance of these acquisitions as crucial steps towards modernizing the air force’s fleet. He highlighted the need for a maintenance hub in Nigeria to ensure long-term support, particularly for the M-346 fleet.
Nigeria has been increasing its military spending in recent years as it grapples with security challenges, including attacks by armed bandits in the northwest and a prolonged insurgency by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the northeast.
In addition to the Italian aircraft, Nigeria has also taken delivery of two “Huey” helicopters and 12 American-made A-29 Super Tucano light attack jets.
