The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has completed the factory acceptance test for the first batch of three M-346 fighter attack aircraft at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy.
NAF announced the development in a statement on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
The exercise was conducted between June 29 and July 9 by a joint delegation comprising representatives of the NAF and the Ministry of Defence.
The exercise marked the successful conclusion of all contractual acceptance requirements ahead of the aircraft’s delivery to Nigeria.
Mr Ejodame said the milestone aligned with the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces.
“The successful completion of the acceptance process confirms that the three aircraft, designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03, have met the required contractual, technical and airworthiness standards.
“Following comprehensive verification by representatives of the NAF, MOD and Leonardo Aircraft Division, the aircraft were formally certified for delivery, paving the way for their induction into the NAF inventory as part of its expanding fleet of modern air combat platforms.
“Beyond the acceptance exercise, the delegation held extensive engagements with Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot and maintenance training, logistics support and long-term fleet sustainment,” he said.
He added that the team also inspected the full mission simulator, virtual reality-enabled training systems and other ground-based training facilities that will play a critical role in preparing NAF pilots and technical personnel for the effective operation and maintenance of the M-346 fleet.
“These investments will strengthen indigenous training and technical capacity, enhance operational self-sufficiency and ensure sustained mission readiness for years to come,” he said.
Speaking on the successful acceptance, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft as another strategic step in strengthening the Nigerian Air Force’s operational capability.
He noted that the aircraft’s unique combination of advanced pilot training and frontline combat capability would significantly enhance the service’s ability to generate combat-ready aircrew while expanding its capacity to conduct precision strike, close air support, air interdiction and other air combat missions in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
“The successful FAT also underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment, under the leadership of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, to strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria through the acquisition of modern, technologically advanced and mission-ready platforms.
“The M-346 programme represents another significant investment in national defence, reinforcing Nigeria’s capacity to safeguard its sovereignty while positioning the NAF among Africa’s leading air forces operating advanced multi-role air combat capabilities.
“As the NAF continues to modernise its fleet and expand its operational capabilities, it remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, supporting joint military operations and protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians,” Mr Ejodame said
(NAN)
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