By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has boosted airpower in the counter-terrorism battle in the country with the fleet modernisation programme and 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 acquisition of the fighter jet was initiated by late President Muhammadu Buhari.
Conducted by a joint delegation comprising representatives of the NAF and the Ministry of Defence, MOD, the exercise successfully concluded all contractual acceptance requirements ahead of the aircraft’s delivery to Nigeria.
According to NAF, the achievement reinforced the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces.
The successful acceptance confirmed that the three aircraft have met all required contractual, technical and airworthiness standards for delivery.
NAF maintained that beyond the acceptance process, the delegation also engaged with Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot and maintenance training, logistics support and long-term fleet sustainment, while inspecting advanced simulation and ground-based training systems that will strengthen indigenous training capacity, enhance operational readiness and ensure the effective employment of the M-346 fleet.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, stated that the M-346’s unique blend of advanced pilot training and frontline combat capability will significantly enhance the NAF’s ability to generate combat-ready aircrew while expanding its capacity to conduct precision strike, close air support, air interdiction and other air combat missions in response to Nigeria’s evolving security environment.
NAF was of the view that the milestone further underscored the Federal Government’s commitment, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces through the acquisition of modern, technologically advanced and mission-ready platforms.
As the Nigerian Air Force continued to modernise its fleet, it remained steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, supporting joint military operations and protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians through responsive, professional and decisive airpower.
