NAF Clears Major Milestone as First Three M-346 Fighter Attack Aircraft Pass Factory Acceptance Test
NAF Clears Major Milestone as First Three M-346 Fighter Attack Aircraft Pass Factory Acceptance Test
NAF Clears Major Milestone as First Three M-346 Fighter Attack Aircraft Pass Factory Acceptance Test
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded another significant milestone in its fleet modernisation programme following the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the first batch of three M-346 Fighter Attack (FA) aircraft at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy.
The acceptance exercise, conducted from June 29 to July 9, 2026, by a joint delegation comprising officials of the Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Defence (MOD), marked the successful completion of all contractual acceptance requirements ahead of the aircraft’s delivery to Nigeria.
The achievement aligns with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, which focuses on building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready Air Force capable of delivering decisive air power in support of joint military operations.
Following comprehensive inspections and verification by representatives of the NAF, the Ministry of Defence and Leonardo Aircraft Division, the three aircraft—designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03—were confirmed to have met all contractual, technical and airworthiness standards and were subsequently certified for delivery.
The successful certification clears the way for the aircraft to be inducted into the Nigerian Air Force inventory as part of its expanding fleet of modern combat platforms designed to enhance national security and operational effectiveness.
Beyond the acceptance process, the Nigerian delegation held extensive engagements with Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot and maintenance training, logistics support and long-term fleet sustainment to ensure the successful integration of the aircraft into NAF operations.
The team also inspected the Full Mission Simulator, Virtual Reality-enabled training systems and other advanced ground-based facilities that will support the training of Nigerian pilots and technical personnel.
These facilities are expected to strengthen indigenous operational and maintenance capabilities, improve self-sufficiency and enhance long-term 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 a strategic addition that would significantly enhance the operational capability of the Nigerian Air Force.
According to him, the aircraft’s dual-role capability as both an advanced pilot training platform and frontline combat aircraft will enable the Service to produce combat-ready aircrew while expanding its capacity to undertake precision strike missions, close air support, air interdiction and other critical air combat operations in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The successful Factory Acceptance Test also reflects the Federal Government’s sustained commitment under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to strengthening Nigeria’s defence capabilities through the acquisition of modern, technologically advanced and mission-ready military platforms.
The Nigerian Air Force noted that the M-346 programme represents another major investment in national defence, reinforcing the country’s ability to protect its sovereignty while positioning the Service among Africa’s leading air forces operating advanced multi-role combat aircraft.
The Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, supporting joint military operations and protecting the lives and property of citizens through sustained fleet modernisation, enhanced operational capability and professional excellence.
The statement was signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on July 27, 2026.
NAF Clears Major Milestone as First Three M-346 Fighter Attack Aircraft Pass Factory Acceptance Test
