# Delivery timeline set for Nigeria’s M-346FA

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/10/delivery-timeline-set-for-nigerias-m-346fa/
- Published: 2024-10-31T10:02:32+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel

Nigeria is set to bolster its aerial capabilities with the impending arrival of 
the Leonardo M-346FA aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) anticipates receiving
the first of the 24 jets in early 2025, with six units already in production.

Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, confirmed the delivery schedule
following his mid-October visit to Leonardo’s facilities in Italy. The initial batch
of three aircraft is expected to be handed over next year, with the full complement
set to arrive by 2026. Abubakar emphasized the necessity of establishing a maintenance
hub in Nigeria to ensure long-term support for the M-346 fleet.

In August 2021, Nigeria [placed an order ](https://www.military.africa/2021/08/nigeria-orders-leonardo-m-346-master-to-replace-venerable-alpha-jets/)
for the M-346FAs. This acquisition, valued at approximately €1.2 billion, represents
a significant investment in Nigeria’s defense capabilities. The M-346FAs are poised
to replace the aging Dassault Alpha Jet A/E fleet currently in use by the NAF. As
part of the deal, Leonardo will provide not only the aircraft but also comprehensive
training, support, and munitions. The business will also see Elbit Systems and Rafael
Advanced defense systems [supplying](https://www.military.africa/2023/11/defence-companies-seek-to-arm-nigerias-m-346-master-aircraft/)
avionics, PESA radar, and munitions.

The partnership extends to the Italian Air Force, which will train Nigerian pilots
at the International Flight Training School of Galatina (Lecce) and Decimomannu 
Airbase (Sardinia). Additionally, Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
will supply avionics, PESA radar, and munitions for the jets. Ebony Enterprises,
an Israeli intermediary company, has played a pivotal role in reaching out to potential
suppliers for this vital aspect of the aircraft’s deployment.

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The acquisition is a key component of NAF’s modernization drive and will serve as
a lead-in flight trainer (LIFT) for the newly acquired Chengdu PAC JF-17 fighter
aircraft, replacing the venerable [Alpha Jet A/E ](https://www.military.africa/2023/07/sofema-to-modernize-nigerias-venerable-alpha-jets/)
on a one-to-one basis. Nigerian student pilots will transition from the newly delivered
[A-29 Super Tucano](https://www.military.africa/2021/10/nigerias-a-29-super-tucanos-and-bandits/)
to the M-346FA and ultimately to the [JF-17 Thunders](https://www.military.africa/2021/05/nigeria-inducts-jf-17-thunder-fighter-jets-at-57th-anniversary/).

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In addition to reviewing the M-346FA program, Abubakar discussed a follow-on purchase
of [10 more AW109 Trekker helicopters](https://www.military.africa/2024/07/nigeria-orders-12-additional-aw-109-helicopters/).
The NAF already operates two of these skid-equipped helicopters and expects the 
next batch by early 2026. These helicopters will be utilized for various missions,
including combat search and rescue and medical evacuation.

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