By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded significant progress in its fleet modernisation drive following strategic engagements with Leonardo Aircraft Division in Milan, Italy, on the M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft programme.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the M-346 programme as a critical milestone in the renewal of the NAF’s combat capability, noting that the platform will enhance precision strike operations, improve training efficiency, and strengthen Nigeria’s regional deterrence posture.
He stressed the importance of synchronising aircraft delivery timelines with infrastructure readiness in Nigeria to ensure seamless induction into operational service.
The visit, which took place between 19 and 20 January 2025, also included high-level interactions with the Leonardo Helicopter Division. The engagements were undertaken alongside the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Defence and Finance, other senior government officials, and senior NAF officers, underscoring the priority placed by President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on airpower modernisation and defence–industrial cooperation as key pillars of national security.Speaking at the Leonardo Helicopter Division, Air Marshal Aneke said the engagement provided a strategic opportunity to assess Leonardo’s advanced technological capabilities and consolidate long-standing cooperation.
He commended the company for its professionalism and continued support to the NAF, noting that platforms such as the AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters remain vital to counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and internal security operations across the country.
The CAS highlighted the proven operational performance of Leonardo platforms in NAF service, including the G-222, ATR-42, and various AW-109 helicopter variants, which have supported combat operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and other national tasks.
He emphasised that timely delivery of aircraft, spares, ground support equipment, and comprehensive training packages is essential to achieving rapid operational readiness and sustained mission effectiveness.
At the Leonardo Aircraft Division, discussions centred on the M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft programme, which Air Marshal Aneke described as a major boost to the NAF’s combat and training capabilities. He underscored the need for early and comprehensive training for pilots, engineers, and logisticians, as well as the establishment of a Leonardo Support Office in Nigeria to improve aircraft availability, reduce turnaround time, and enhance local capacity in line with the Federal Government’s drive for self-reliance.
Responding on behalf of Leonardo, the Senior Vice President, Sales, Leonardo Helicopter Division, Mr Andrea Mirteto, expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria as a valued strategic partner. He assured of Leonardo’s dedication to the timely delivery, sustainment, and expansion of cooperation under the AW-109 Trekker and M-346 programmes.
Air Marshal Aneke reassured Nigerians that the NAF, working closely with other Services and security agencies, remains committed to fulfilling President Tinubu’s mandate to decisively tackle security challenges nationwide through sustained investments in modern platforms, training, and strategic partnerships.
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