Nigeria is gearing up to receive 24 Italian-made M-346 fighter jets, a deal widely described as the largest military aircraft acquisition in West Africa
In a landmark agreement with Italian defence firm Leonardo, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) struck the deal in November 2023 for the supply of these advanced M-346 aircraft. Valued at around €1.2 billion, the purchase is unprecedented in scale for any West African nation and marks a major step in modernising the country’s air combat capabilities.
The contract not only covers the jets themselves but also includes 25 years of logistical support, giving Leonardo exclusivity over maintenance operations.
The M-346 jets are designed to serve in training and combat roles. They are equipped to carry a range of weapons via external hardpoints and can integrate sophisticated targeting systems, giving Nigeria enhanced flexibility in air-to-air and ground attack missions.
Currently, the first six jets are under construction in Italy. Nigeria expects to receive the first batch of three aircraft in 2025, with full deliveries continuing through mid-2026.
NAF officials say the jets will strengthen training capabilities and improve operational effectiveness across multiple mission profiles.
This acquisition is part of a broader effort to enhance Nigeria’s defence posture, particularly in regions challenged by insurgency, banditry, and other security threats.
The deal’s scale has drawn attention not just for its military implications but also for its economic dimensions. Alongside the jets, Nigeria has negotiated comprehensive support services that will create long-term maintenance work and training opportunities, potentially generating local jobs and skills development. Leonardo’s involvement in maintenance is expected to foster technology transfer and support infrastructure growth within Nigeria’s defence sector.
This €1.2 billion investment places significant demand on Nigeria’s defence budget but also creates economic spillovers via long-term maintenance contracts, local capacity building, and potential regional support hubs, offering revenue streams beyond pure security spending.
Beyond fulfilling immediate security needs, this acquisition signals Nigeria’s ambition to modernise its military fleet and enhance operational readiness against persistent threats. The jets’ dual role as both training platforms and combat aircraft, positions the NAF to better train pilots and execute advanced missions with greater self-reliance.
As Nigeria awaits the phased delivery of these jets, the purchase remains a milestone in West African defence procurement, reflecting growing investment in national security and strategic technological partnerships.
