The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded fresh progress in its fleet modernisation drive as the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, engaged the Leonardo Aircraft Division in Milan, Italy, on the M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft programme.
Air Marshal Aneke described the programme as a major boost to the NAF’s combat capability, noting that the aircraft will enhance precision strike operations, improve pilot training and strengthen Nigeria’s regional deterrence posture through coordinated delivery and smooth induction into service.
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Force Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Italy visit was part of broader strategic engagements with the aircraft company.
The visit involved Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, senior government officials and top NAF officers, highlighting the Federal Government’s priority on airpower modernisation and defence cooperation.
At the Leonardo Helicopter Division, the CAS praised the company’s long-standing support to the NAF, noting that platforms such as the AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters have played key roles in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and internal security operations.He also highlighted the strong operational record of Leonardo platforms already in NAF service, including the G-222, ATR-42 and AW-109 variants, stressing the importance of timely aircraft delivery, spare parts, support equipment and structured training to ensure operational readiness.
Discussions at the Aircraft Division focused on the M-346 programme, which the CAS described as a milestone in renewing the NAF’s combat fleet.
He emphasised the need to align aircraft delivery with the readiness of Nigeria’s Main Operating Base for seamless deployment.
Air Marshal Aneke further called for early and comprehensive training of pilots, engineers and logisticians, alongside the establishment of a Leonardo Support Office in Nigeria to boost aircraft availability, local capacity and long-term sustainment.
Responding, Leonardo’s Senior Vice President for Sales, Helicopter Division, Mr Andrea Mirteto, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria, assuring of timely delivery and sustained cooperation under the AW-109 Trekker and M-346 programmes.
The CAS assured Nigerians that the NAF remains committed to addressing security challenges nationwide through sustained investment in modern platforms, training and strategic partnerships, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s security mandate.