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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded another milestone in its fleet modernisation programme with the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the first batch of three M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy.
Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed that the acceptance test, conducted from June 29 to July 9, 2026, by a joint team from the NAF and the Ministry of Defence, successfully fulfilled all contractual requirements ahead of the aircraft’s delivery to Nigeria.
According to him, the exercise aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in synergy with ground forces.
Ejodame said the three aircraft, designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03, successfully met all contractual, technical and airworthiness standards after comprehensive inspections by representatives of the NAF, Ministry of Defence and Leonardo Aircraft Division.
He explained that the aircraft had been formally certified for delivery and would soon be inducted into the NAF inventory as part of its growing fleet of modern combat platforms.
He added that beyond the acceptance exercise, the delegation also held extensive discussions with Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot and maintenance training, logistics support and long-term fleet sustainment.
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The team equally inspected the Full Mission Simulator, virtual reality-enabled training systems and other ground-based facilities designed to prepare pilots and technical personnel for effective operation and maintenance of the aircraft.
Ejodame noted that the investment would enhance indigenous training capability, strengthen operational self-sufficiency and sustain mission readiness.
Commenting on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft as another strategic boost to the Nigerian Air Force’s operational capability.
According to him, the aircraft’s combination of advanced pilot training and frontline combat capability will significantly improve the service’s ability to produce combat-ready aircrew while enhancing its capacity to undertake precision strikes, close air support, air interdiction and other combat operations against evolving security threats.
The NAF said the successful acceptance test also reflects the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthening the Armed Forces through the acquisition of modern and technologically advanced military platforms.
It added that the M-346 programme represents another strategic investment in national defence and reinforces Nigeria’s capacity to safeguard its sovereignty while positioning the Nigerian Air Force among Africa’s leading operators of advanced multi-role combat aircraft.
The service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity, supporting joint military operations and safeguarding the lives and property of citizens, noting that the induction of the M-346 aircraft marks another significant milestone in its transformation into a more agile, professional and combat-ready force.
