Odita Sunday 
NAF takes delivery step as first three M-346 combat aircraft pass acceptance test
By Odita Sunday
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reached another milestone in its airpower modernisation programme with the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the first batch of three M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft in Italy.
The acceptance exercise, conducted from June 29 to July 9, 2026, at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, was carried out by a joint team from the Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Defence, clearing the aircraft for delivery to Nigeria.
Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said the exercise successfully concluded all contractual acceptance requirements for the aircraft.
He explained that the three aircraft—designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03—met all contractual, technical and airworthiness specifications after rigorous inspections conducted by officials of the NAF, Ministry of Defence and Leonardo Aircraft Division.
”The aircraft have been formally certified for delivery and will soon be inducted into the Nigerian Air Force inventory as part of the Service’s expanding fleet of modern combat platforms,” Ejodame said.
According to him, the delegation also engaged Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot conversion training, maintenance support, logistics and long-term fleet sustainment to ensure the successful operation of the aircraft after delivery.
He added that members of the delegation inspected advanced pilot training facilities, including the Full Mission Simulator and Virtual Reality-enabled training systems designed to prepare Nigerian pilots and engineers for effective deployment of the new platforms.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the M-346 aircraft as a strategic capability that would significantly strengthen the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force.
He said the aircraft’s dual-role capability as both an advanced trainer and combat platform would improve the production of combat-ready pilots while boosting the Air Force’s capacity to execute precision strike missions, close air support operations, air interdiction and other tactical air operations against emerging security threats.
Ejodame further said the successful acceptance test demonstrates the Federal Government’s sustained investment in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that the M-346 programme is expected to enhance Nigeria’s air combat capability, deepen operational readiness and consolidate the Nigerian Air Force’s position among Africa’s technologically advanced air forces.
He reiterated the Service’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity, supporting joint military operations and delivering decisive airpower in defence of the nation.
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