The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has advanced discussions on the M-346 fighter aircraft programme for the Nigerian Air Force during a strategic visit to Italy as part of efforts to strengthen the service’s combat capability.
The visit, which took place between January 19 and 20, involved high-level engagements with Italian aerospace firm Leonardo, including meetings at its Helicopter and Aircraft divisions, aimed at deepening defence industrial cooperation with Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the discussions underscored the importance of the M-346 programme to the Air Force’s modernisation drive.
Speaking at the Leonardo Aircraft Division in Milan, Aneke described the M-346 project as a major leap in renewing the NAF’s combat capability. He said the aircraft would enhance precision strike operations, improve advanced pilot training, and strengthen Nigeria’s regional deterrence posture.
The Air Chief noted that the engagements reflected the priority placed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on airpower modernisation as a critical pillar of national security.
At the Leonardo Helicopter Division, Aneke commended the company for its sustained support to the Nigerian Air Force, noting that platforms such as the AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters were playing vital roles in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and internal security operations across the country.
He also highlighted the strong operational performance of Leonardo platforms in NAF service, including the G-222, ATR-42, and various AW-109 variants, saying they had proven reliable in combat operations, humanitarian missions, and disaster response.
Discussions at the Aircraft Division further focused on aligning the delivery schedule of the M-346 jets with the readiness of the designated Main Operating Base in Nigeria to ensure smooth induction into service.
