RismadarVoice Reporters, July 27, 2026
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has completed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for its first batch of three M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the successful acceptance confirms that the aircraft-designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03 have met all contractual, technical and airworthiness requirements ahead of their induction into the Air Force’s fleet.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the acquisition as a significant step in strengthening the NAF’s operational capabilities.
He said the M-346 aircraft combines advanced pilot training with frontline combat capability, enabling the Air Force to produce combat-ready pilots while enhancing its capacity to carry out precision strikes, close air support, air interdiction and other air combat operations in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The Air Force noted that the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test reflects the Federal Government’s commitment, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, to modernising the Armed Forces through the acquisition of advanced, mission-ready military platforms.
