The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has achieved another significant milestone in its ongoing fleet modernisation programme with the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the first batch of three M-346 Fighter Attack (FA) aircraft at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the acceptance exercise was conducted from 29 June to 9 July 2026 by a joint delegation comprising representatives of the NAF and the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The exercise successfully concluded all contractual acceptance requirements ahead of the aircraft’s delivery to Nigeria.
The statement noted that the milestone aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces.
It explained that the successful completion of the acceptance process confirmed that the three aircraft, designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03, met all contractual, technical and airworthiness standards. Following comprehensive verification by representatives of the NAF, the Ministry of Defence and Leonardo Aircraft Division, the aircraft were formally certified for delivery and are now set for induction into the NAF inventory as part of its expanding fleet of modern air combat platforms.
The statement further disclosed that beyond the acceptance exercise, the Nigerian delegation held extensive engagements with Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot and maintenance training, logistics support and long-term fleet sustainment. The team also inspected the Full Mission Simulator, Virtual Reality-enabled training systems and other ground-based training facilities designed to prepare NAF pilots and technical personnel for the effective operation and maintenance of the M-346 fleet.
According to the statement, the investments will strengthen indigenous training and technical capacity, enhance operational self-sufficiency and ensure sustained mission readiness.
Commenting on the successful acceptance, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft as another strategic step towards strengthening the Nigerian Air Force’s operational capability.
He stated that the aircraft’s combination of advanced pilot training and frontline combat capability would significantly enhance the Service’s ability to produce combat-ready aircrew while expanding its capacity to undertake precision strike, close air support, air interdiction and other air combat missions in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The statement also said the successful Factory Acceptance Test reflects the Federal Government’s commitment under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, to strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces through the acquisition of modern, technologically advanced and mission-ready platforms.
It added that the M-346 programme represents another strategic investment in national defence, reinforcing Nigeria’s ability to safeguard its sovereignty while positioning the Nigerian Air Force among Africa’s leading air forces operating advanced multi-role combat aircraft.
The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to modernising its fleet, supporting joint military operations and protecting the lives and property of Nigerians, describing the successful acceptance of the first batch of M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft as another major step in its transformation into a more agile, professional and combat-ready air force.
