22 April 2024

Leonardo confirms M-346 contract for Nigeria

by Gareth Jennings

Nigeria is to receive 24 M-346 aircraft that will be used in both the trainer and combat roles. While Leonardo offers both the M-346FA and M-346FT (pictured) combat versions of the aircraft, all official announcements on the Nigerian deal by the NAF and/or Leonardo to date have referred only to the baseline M-346 advanced jet trainer that comes with a secondary combat capability. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

Leonardo has for the first time disclosed that it has been contracted to deliver its M-346 to Nigeria, telling Janes on 19 April that it recently confirmed its commitment to a timely delivery of the “fighter aircraft” to the West African country.

The Italian company's confirmation came in response to a post on the Nigerian Air Force's (NAF's) official Facebook account, in which it said it is to receive 24 M-346 fighter aircraft, with the first six expected to arrive before the end of 2024 and the remainder to follow in further tranches of six.

“This [Facebook post] makes reference to a meeting between the Nigerian Air Force HQ and Leonardo, where the company has confirmed its commitment to timely deliver the M-346 fighter aircraft and guarantee an early start of pilot and engineering training in 2024,” Leonardo told Janes, adding, “We cannot elaborate further at this stage.”

Leonardo has for the first time disclosed that it has been contracted to deliver its M-346 to Nigeri...

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