Nigeria has taken a major step to strengthen its air combat capabilities with the acquisition of 24 M-346FA light fighter aircraft from Italy in a deal estimated at €1.2 billion, marking the largest single military jet purchase by any country in West Africa.
Business Inside Africa reported on Tuesday that the agreement was reached with Italian aerospace and defence firm, Leonardo S.p.A., as part of Nigeria’s ongoing military modernisation drive aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force.
Beyond the delivery of the aircraft, the deal also covers maintenance, logistics and long-term technical support. Analysts say this reflects the government’s intention to sustain combat readiness and avoid reliance on short-term or stop-gap military upgrades.
The procurement follows earlier approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of a $618 million borrowing plan to finance the acquisition of the Italian-made M-346 fighter jets and associated munitions.
The latest arms purchase comes amid Nigeria’s worsening internal security challenges, including a prolonged jihadist insurgency in the North-East, escalating banditry in the North-West and recurring communal violence in the Middle Belt. The conflicts have strained government resources, displaced millions of people and disrupted economic activities across several regions.
Security officials believe the M-346FA aircraft will significantly enhance aerial surveillance, close air support and precision strike capabilities, giving the military greater flexibility in combating insurgent and criminal groups.
Nigeria’s expanding military footprint is also unfolding within a fragile regional security environment. In recent weeks, Nigerian troops were deployed to neighbouring Benin following an attempted coup in which mutinous soldiers reportedly seized key locations in Cotonou. The deployment, carried out at the request of Beninese authorities and approved by the Nigerian Senate, was said to have helped restore constitutional order and highlighted Abuja’s readiness to project military power beyond its borders.
Observers note that Nigeria’s decision to source the jets from Italy signals a strategic shift in its defence procurement policy. By partnering with Italian manufacturers, the country appears to be seeking modern platforms, competitive pricing and stronger after-sales support, while gradually reducing reliance on traditional arms suppliers such as the United States, Russia and China.
However, the scale of the arms deal is expected to reignite public debate over government spending priorities at a time when many Nigerians continue to grapple with economic hardship, rising public debt and worsening social conditions.
