Nigeriais moving ahead with plans to acquire 24 Leonardo M-346FA light fighter-attack aircraft from Italy’s Leonardo, in a deal valued at about $1.2 billion, signaling one of the most significant upgrades to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in decades. Nigeriais advancing its military modernization with the acquisition of M-346FA fighter jets and AW-109 helicopters from Italy. The €1.2 billion deal includes maintenance and support provisions, showcasing strengthened defense ties between Nigeria and Italy. Nigeriais therefore procuring six M-346FAs in the basic version without armament. Financing isbeing provided via a loan of around 450 million euros guaranteed by SACE through three Italian banks. The M-346FA, a dual-role variant of Leonardo's renowned M-346 Master advanced jet trainer, stands out for its fusion of cutting-edge training and combat functionalities. The M‑346FA (Fighter Attack) is a twin‑engine advanced jet trainer modified for combat roles. In this FA variant the aircraft adds a multi‑mode radar, defensive avionics and seven underwing hardpoints, giving it a weapons payload of over 2,000 kg. Deliveries of the new jetsare scheduled to begin in 2027, with the fleet expected to reach full operational capability by 2028 at the Linz-Hörsching Air Base. The agreement positions Austria as the launch customer for the advanced “Block 20” variant of the M-346FA. The M-346FAis a variant of the M-346 Master advanced training aircraft. Produced by Leonardo, this multi-role aircraft features seven external hardpoints for various munitions and equipment. Austria has completed the purchase of twelve Leonardo M-346FAjets, closing the capability gap created when the Saab 105 fleet retired in 2020.
