The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has completed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the first batch of three M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft, marking a major milestone in its fleet modernisation programme aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.
The acceptance exercise, conducted at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy, was carried out by a joint delegation from the NAF and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), with all contractual requirements successfully met ahead of the aircraft’s delivery to Nigeria.
According to the NAF, the successful completion of the test confirms that the aircraft satisfy all contractual, technical and airworthiness standards required for delivery.
Beyond the acceptance process, the delegation also held discussions with Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot and maintenance training, logistics support and long-term fleet sustainment. The team also inspected advanced simulation and ground-based training systems expected to strengthen indigenous training capacity and improve operational readiness.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the M-346 aircraft would significantly enhance the Air Force’s ability to train combat-ready pilots while boosting its capacity to carry out precision strikes, close air support, air interdiction and other combat missions.
The acquisition of the fighter aircraft was initiated during the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari.
The NAF said the development reflects the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to equipping the Armed Forces with modern and mission-ready platforms to tackle the country’s evolving security challenges.
It added that the Air Force remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity, supporting joint military operations and safeguarding lives and property through enhanced air power.
