The Nigerian Air Force is bolstering its fleet with the acquisition of 24 Italian M-346 attack jets and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters, a key move in its ongoing fleet renewal, according to a spokesperson on Monday.
Air Force spokesperson Olusola Akinboyewa stated that Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Nigeria’s Chief of the Air Staff, led a team to meet with executives from Leonardo S.p.A. in Rome. The first three M-346 jets are expected by early 2025, with all deliveries concluding by mid-2026. The Trekker helicopters will follow, with arrival anticipated by early 2026.
Abubakar emphasized the importance of establishing a maintenance hub in Nigeria to ensure long-term support, particularly for the M-346 fleet.
The Nigerian military has increased its spending in recent years to combat armed bandits in the northwest and insurgencies led by Boko Haram and ISWAP in the northeast.
In June, Nigeria received two “Huey” helicopters, adding to two Trekkers acquired earlier, and 12 American A-29 Super Tucano jets delivered in 2021. Further deliveries of Chinese Wing Loong II drones are also pending.
