Nigerian air force to acquire Italian fighter jets, helicopters

Nigeria’s air force plans to strengthen its attack capabilities with the acquisition of 24 Italian-made M-346 attack jets and ten AW-109 Trekker helicopters.

A spokesman for the Nigerian air force said army officials met with Leonardo SPA in Rome to confirm the transaction.

The Italian manufacturers will deliver a first batch of three M-346 aircrafts in 2025, with subsequent deliveries running until mid-2026, while the Trekker helicopters are expected by early 2026.

Nigeria has raced the clock to upgrade its air force in response to the expansion of terrorist activity in its north.