The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to enhance its combat capabilities significantly with the planned acquisition of additional fighter helicopters, specifically 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack jets and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters. This initiative falls under a broader effort announced earlier, where the NAF revealed intentions to procure 50 new aircraft to enhance its operational effectiveness against a rising tide of armed gangs and terrorist activities within the country. In recent years, the NAF has made considerable strides in modernizing its fleet, receiving various aircraft types that include 12 Super Tucano planes, additional surveillance aircraft, and T-129 ATAK helicopters among others. These acquisitions highlight the NAF’s commitment to strengthening its air power and supporting national security initiatives.
The acquisition process has seen a significant step forward, with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, and pertinent officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance currently in Italy to finalize the specific deals. According to Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, the official spokesperson for the NAF, this meeting also involved a Program Management Review with Leonardo S.P.A., the company providing the aircraft. The discussions aimed to finalize the logistics and delivery schedules for the M-346 jets and additional Trekker helicopters, ensuring a clear roadmap for the future of the NAF’s capabilities in the sky.
During the review meeting, the Nigerian delegation received updates regarding the delivery schedule for the newly acquired M-346 jets. It was confirmed that the first three units would be delivered by early 2025, with subsequent shipments expected to continue until mid-2026. The delivery timeline for the additional 10 AW-109 helicopters reveals that these are anticipated to be delivered by early 2026. This staggered delivery schedule allows the NAF to gradually integrate these advanced aircraft into its fleet, increasing operational capacity step by step.
In addition to the acquisition discussions, Air Marshal Abubakar also took the opportunity to inspect the initial six M-346 jets previously ordered. Notably, three of these jets are nearing completion, indicating that the NAF is proactively monitoring the progress of its purchases. The Air Chief’s visit to the Leonardo Headquarters in Rome underscored a commitment to cultivate a robust and long-term partnership with the manufacturer, highlighting the strategic importance of this relationship in sustaining Nigeria’s air combat capabilities.
A significant aspect of the M-346 jets is their advanced functionalities that allow for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, which are crucial in modern aerial warfare. The introduction of these jets is expected to substantially bolster Nigeria’s air combat capabilities, allowing for a more versatile and effective response to various security challenges. Similarly, the AW-109 Trekker helicopters are designed to enhance combat support roles, providing essential services such as combat search and rescue, tactical airlift, and medical evacuation, which are critical components of military operations.
Overall, the acquisitions of the M-346 fighter jets and AW-109 helicopters represent a significant step towards the fleet renewal and modernization of the NAF. These developments align with the Chief of Air Staff’s Command Philosophy, which emphasizes transforming the NAF to ensure greater agility, resilience, and operational effectiveness. The focus on optimizing force structure and enhancing readiness through strategic acquisitions is crucial for addressing contemporary threats and ensuring national security in Nigeria. As these projects progress, they are likely to play a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s defense posture against internal and external threats while also fostering advancements in indigenous military capabilities.
