The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will begin the acquisition of 24 Italian made M-346 fighter attack aircraft, adding the new fighter jets into its inventory as it looks to offset its older Alpha Jet Fleet. This was announced after NAF received a Federal Government approval for this purchase.
Out of the 24 ordered units of the M-346, NAF will take delivery of 12 units this year, with NAF hoping for the remaining 12 units to arrive from next year.
“We have already signed agreement for the supply of 12 and be rest assured that we are going to get 12 this year and the remaining ones will be supplied by next year,” said Director of Air Force Affairs, Ashibel Utsu.
According to multiple sources, pilots and engineers are to be sent for training at the International Flight Training School of Galatina, Lecce and Decimomannu Air base, Sardinia in Italy.
The combat capable M-346FA can perform ground attack, homeland defence and air policing missions and reconnaissance.
Various munitions and stores can be carried, including IRIS-T or AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, various air-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, free-fall and laser-guided bombs and rockets, a 12.7 mm gun pod, reconnaissance and targeting pods, and electronic warfare pods. Weapon aiming is performed using the Helmet Mounted Display and the multifunction displays.
The NAF is determined to get the right mix of military aircraft for its future inventory considering the idea of the new fighter jet which falls somewhere between fourth- and fifth-generation airframes – meaning it could easily be upgraded throughout its life.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) also began taking delivery of the first six of 12 Embraer A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft from July 22, 2021.
The A-29 Super Tucano will support flight and combat training, close air support operations, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), armed over-watch, counterinsurgency and irregular warfare scenarios. NAF will take delivery of the second batch before the end of the year.
By Victor Shalton Odhiambo
