The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded another 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 exercise, conducted by a joint delegation from the Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Defence, fulfilled all contractual acceptance requirements ahead of the delivery of the aircraft to Nigeria.
According to the NAF, the successful completion of the acceptance test confirms that the three aircraft have met all contractual, technical and airworthiness standards required for delivery.
The Air Force said the development aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in support of joint military operations.
Beyond the acceptance process, the delegation held discussions with officials of Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot and maintenance training, logistics support and long-term fleet sustainment.
The team also inspected advanced flight simulation and ground-based training systems designed to strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous training capability, improve operational readiness and ensure the effective deployment of the M-346 aircraft.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the M-346 as a strategic addition to the Nigerian Air Force, noting that the aircraft combines advanced pilot training capabilities with frontline combat performance.
According to him, the platform will significantly improve the Air Force’s ability to produce combat-ready pilots while expanding its capacity to execute precision strikes, close air support, air interdiction and other combat missions in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The Air Force noted that the milestone reflects the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces through the acquisition of modern, technologically advanced and mission-ready military platforms.
NAF reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining fleet modernisation efforts aimed at enhancing national security, supporting joint operations and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity through responsive, professional and effective air power.
