By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded another milestone in its ongoing fleet modernisation drive as the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, engaged the Leonardo Aircraft Division in Milan, Italy, on the M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft programme.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS described the M-346 programme as a critical leap in renewing the NAF’s combat capability. He noted that the platform will significantly strengthen precision strike operations, enhance training outcomes, and reinforce Nigeria’s regional deterrence posture through carefully synchronised aircraft delivery and seamless induction into operational service.
The visit to Italy, which took place between 19 and 20 January 2025, formed part of a broader strategic engagement with Leonardo and included high-level interactions with the Leonardo Helicopter Division. The engagements were undertaken alongside the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Defence and Finance, other senior government officials, and senior NAF officers, underscoring the priority placed by President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on airpower modernisation and defence–industrial cooperation as key pillars of national security.
Speaking at the Leonardo Helicopter Division, Air Marshal Aneke described the engagement as a strategic opportunity to assess Leonardo’s advanced technological capabilities and further consolidate the long-standing institutional cooperation between the company and the Nigerian Air Force. He commended Leonardo for its professionalism and sustained support to the NAF, noting that modern, agile and mission-capable platforms such as the AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters continue to play a vital role in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and internal security operations across Nigeria.
The CAS highlighted the proven operational record of Leonardo platforms already in NAF service, including the G-222, ATR-42 and various AW-109 helicopter variants, which have consistently delivered dependable performance in combat missions, humanitarian assistance, disaster response and other national support operations. He stressed that timely delivery of aircraft, associated spares, ground support equipment and structured training packages remains essential to achieving rapid operational readiness and sustaining mission effectiveness.
At the Leonardo Aircraft Division, discussions centred on the M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft programme, which Air Marshal Aneke described as a major milestone in the renewal of the NAF’s combat fleet. He explained that the platform will not only enhance Nigeria’s precision strike capability but also improve training efficiency and strengthen the country’s regional deterrence posture. He emphasised the importance of aligning aircraft delivery timelines with the readiness of the Main Operating Base in Nigeria to ensure smooth and effective induction into service.
The CAS further underscored the strategic value of early and comprehensive training for pilots, engineers and logisticians, as well as the establishment of a Leonardo Support Office in Nigeria. According to him, these measures will boost aircraft availability, reduce turnaround time, build local capacity and ensure long-term sustainment of both existing and future NAF platforms, in line with the Federal Government’s emphasis on self-reliance, operational efficiency and sustainability.
Responding on behalf of Leonardo, the Senior Vice President, Sales, Leonardo Helicopter Division, Mr Andrea Mirteto, expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria as a valued and trusted strategic partner. He assured that Leonardo remains fully dedicated to the timely delivery, sustainment and expansion of cooperation under the AW-109 Trekker and M-346 programmes.
Air Marshal Aneke reassured Nigerians that the Nigerian Air Force, working closely with other Services and security agencies, remains resolute in fulfilling President Tinubu’s mandate to decisively tackle security challenges across the country. He noted that sustained investment in modern platforms, training and strategic partnerships is aimed at building a more capable, responsive and resilient Air Force, able to effectively support joint operations, protect lives and property, and create the secure environment required for national development and economic growth.
