NAF Moves to Boost Air Power as Air Chief Engages Leonardo on M-346 Aircraft Programme
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s air power and modernise the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has held high-level engagements with Leonardo Aircraft Division in Milan, Italy, the manufacturers of the M-346 fighter ground-attack aircraft.
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According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the engagement forms a key component of the Service’s fleet renewal and capability enhancement programme aimed at improving operational effectiveness across multiple mission areas.
Air Marshal Aneke described the M-346 programme as a significant milestone in revitalising the NAF’s combat capability, noting that the aircraft would enhance precision strike operations, improve pilot training outcomes, and strengthen Nigeria’s regional deterrence posture. He stressed that carefully synchronised delivery schedules and seamless induction into operational service are critical to achieving these objectives.
The visit to Italy, which took place between January 19 and 20, 2025, was part of a broader strategic engagement with Leonardo and included meetings with senior executives of the company’s Aircraft and Helicopter Divisions. The delegation comprised the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Defence and Finance, other senior government officials, and senior NAF officers.
The CAS said the composition of the delegation reflected the high priority placed by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on air power modernisation and defence-industrial collaboration as key pillars of national security.
While speaking at the Leonardo Helicopter Division, Air Marshal Aneke described the engagement as an opportunity to assess Leonardo’s advanced technological capabilities and consolidate the long-standing partnership between the company and the NAF. He commended Leonardo for its professionalism and sustained support, noting that modern and mission-ready platforms such as the AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters continue to play a vital role in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and internal security operations nationwide.
He further highlighted the strong operational record of Leonardo platforms already in NAF service, including the G-222, ATR-42, and various AW-109 helicopter variants, which he said have consistently delivered reliable performance in combat missions, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and other national support operations.
According to the CAS, timely delivery of aircraft, spare parts, ground support equipment, and comprehensive training packages remains essential for rapid operational readiness and sustained mission effectiveness.
At the Leonardo Aircraft Division, discussions focused on the M-346 fighter ground-attack aircraft, which Air Marshal Aneke described as a landmark acquisition in the renewal of the NAF’s combat fleet. He explained that the platform would not only boost precision strike capability but also enhance training efficiency and overall force readiness.
He emphasised the need to align aircraft delivery timelines with the readiness of the Main Operating Base in Nigeria to ensure smooth induction into service. He also underscored the importance of early and comprehensive training for pilots, engineers, and logisticians, as well as the establishment of a Leonardo Support Office in Nigeria.
According to him, these measures would improve aircraft availability, reduce turnaround time, build local technical capacity, and strengthen the long-term sustainment of both current and future NAF platforms, in line with the Federal Government’s drive toward self-reliance and operational efficiency.
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 that Leonardo remains fully committed to the timely delivery, sustainment, and expansion of cooperation under the AW-109 Trekker and M-346 programmes.
NAF Moves to Boost Air Power as Air Chief Engages Leonardo on M-346 Aircraft Programme