Odita Sunday 
The Nigerian Air Force has made fresh progress in its airpower modernisation efforts as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, advanced discussions on the M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft programme during a strategic visit to Italy.
The engagement with Leonardo Aircraft Division in Milan, which held between January 19 and 20, 2025, focused on strengthening Nigeria’s combat capability, training efficiency and regional deterrence posture.
The visit formed part of a broader high-level engagement with Leonardo, including discussions with its Helicopter Division, and was undertaken alongside Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, senior government officials and top NAF officers.
According to the Air Force, the engagement reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emphasis on airpower modernisation and defence–industrial cooperation as critical elements of national security.
Speaking at the Leonardo Helicopter Division, Air Marshal Aneke described the visit as a strategic opportunity to assess Leonardo’s advanced technological capabilities and consolidate long-standing cooperation with the Nigerian Air Force.
He praised the performance of Leonardo platforms already in NAF service, including the G-222, ATR-42 and AW-109 helicopter variants, noting their effectiveness in combat operations, humanitarian missions and disaster response.
The CAS stressed the importance of timely aircraft delivery, availability of spare parts, ground support equipment and structured training to ensure rapid operational readiness.
At the Leonardo Aircraft Division, Aneke described the M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft programme as a major milestone in the renewal of the NAF’s combat fleet.
He said the platform would significantly enhance precision strike capability, training outcomes and Nigeria’s deterrence posture, while emphasising the need to align delivery timelines with the readiness of the Main Operating Base in Nigeria.
The CAS also highlighted the importance of comprehensive training for pilots, engineers and logisticians, as well as the establishment of a Leonardo Support Office in Nigeria to boost local capacity, reduce turnaround time and strengthen long-term sustainment.
On behalf of Leonardo, Senior Vice President, Sales, Leonardo Helicopter Division, Andrea Mirteto, expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to timely delivery and sustained cooperation under the AW-109 Trekker and M-346 programmes.
Aneke assured that the Nigerian Air Force, working with other security agencies, remains committed to addressing security challenges nationwide through modern platforms, training and strategic partnerships.
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