The Nigerian Air Force on Monday said it completed factory acceptance tests for the first three M-346 Fighter Attack jets at Leonardo’s Venegono, Italy, production facility, clearing the way for delivery and induction into the service’s expanding combat fleet.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF headquarters in a statement said, a joint delegation from the Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Defence conducted the tests between June 29 and July 9.
NewsQuest reports that the delegation certified the aircraft designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03 had met contractual, technical and airworthiness requirements.
“The successful completion of the acceptance process confirms that the three aircraft … have met the required contractual, technical and airworthiness standards,” Ejodame said.
Following comprehensive verification by NAF, Defence Ministry and Leonardo representatives, the jets were formally certified for delivery.
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Ejodame said the milestone aligns with the chief of the air staff’s strategy to build “a highly motivated, professional and mission‑ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces.”
He added the delegation also discussed pilot and maintenance training, logistics support and long‑term fleet sustainment with Leonardo.
The acquisition marks a step in Nigeria’s broader effort to modernize its air capabilities amid ongoing security challenges that have increased demand for more advanced air assets
