The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded a major 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.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed in a statement that the acceptance exercise, conducted from June 29 to July 9, 2026, by a joint delegation of the NAF and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), met all contractual, technical and airworthiness requirements ahead of the aircraft’s delivery to Nigeria.
According to him, the aircraft, designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03, were formally certified for delivery following comprehensive inspections by officials of the NAF, the Ministry of Defence and Leonardo Aircraft Division.
Ejodame said the delegation also held discussions with Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot and maintenance training, logistics support and long-term fleet sustainment.
He added that the team inspected the Full Mission Simulator, Virtual Reality-enabled training systems and other ground-based facilities designed to enhance the training of NAF pilots and technical personnel, thereby strengthening indigenous capacity and ensuring sustained operational readiness.
Commenting on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft as a strategic addition to the Nigerian Air Force’s growing inventory of modern combat platforms.
According to the CAS, the aircraft’s dual capability for advanced pilot training and frontline combat operations will significantly improve the NAF’s ability to produce combat-ready aircrew while enhancing its capacity to conduct precision strikes, close air support, air interdiction and other missions required to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The Air Force noted that the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test reflects the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces through the acquisition of advanced military platforms.
It added that the M-346 programme will further enhance Nigeria’s ability to protect its territorial integrity, support joint military operations and reinforce the NAF’s transformation into a more agile, professional and combat-ready force.
