Nigeria Plans $1.2 Billion Acquisition of 24 Leonardo M-346FA Jets to Modernize Air Power

Nigeria is moving ahead with plans to acquire 24 Leonardo M-346FA light fighter-attack aircraft from Italy’s Leonardo, in a deal valued at about $1.2 billion, signaling one of the most significant upgrades to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in decades. The procurement underscores Abuja’s determination to strengthen air combat, surveillance and rapid-response capabilities amid persistent security challenges across the country.

The planned acquisition forms part of a broader air force modernization program aimed at improving precision strike, air policing and ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) operations. The M-346FA fleet is expected to complement existing platforms while providing a cost-effective bridge between training aircraft and heavier frontline fighters.

Current Nigerian Air Force fleet strength

The Nigerian Air Force operates a diverse range of aircraft across combat, surveillance and support roles. According to public records, the NAF’s current inventory includes combat aircraft such as 13 Dassault-Dornier Alpha Jets, 8 Chengdu J-7 fighters, 12 Embraer A-29 Super Tucano attack aircraft and 3 JF-17 Thunder multirole fighters, along with a variety of ISR, transport, trainer and utility platforms. Independent analyses estimate the NAF’s total active aircraft inventory at around 140 airframes, though individual aircraft readiness rates and operational availability vary.

The service’s combat fleet remains relatively modest compared with major global air forces but represents one of the most capable in West Africa. Key combat assets include a mix of older jet fighters supplemented by newer light attack and ISR aircraft suited to the country’s prevailing security environment.

A multirole platform tailored for modern conflicts

The M-346FA (Fighter Attack) is a combat-capable evolution of Leonardo’s widely used M-346 advanced jet trainer. While retaining its training pedigree, the FA variant is equipped with a full combat suite, allowing it to perform roles including close air support, battlefield interdiction, precision strike, tactical reconnaissance and limited air-to-air missions.

The aircraft can be fitted with a multimode fire-control radar, advanced electro-optical targeting pods and a comprehensive defensive aids system, including radar warning receivers and countermeasure dispensers. With multiple external hardpoints and the ability to carry precision-guided munitions, rockets and short-range air-to-air missiles, the M-346FA offers operational flexibility well suited to Nigeria’s threat environment.

Defence analysts note that the platform’s relatively low operating and maintenance costs, compared with heavier fighter jets, make it particularly attractive for sustained operations against non-state armed groups, where sortie rates and endurance matter as much as raw performance.

Boost to counter-insurgency and territorial security

For Nigeria, the acquisition is closely tied to ongoing counter-insurgency operations and internal security missions. The country continues to confront threats from Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as well as banditry, kidnapping and communal violence. Defence officials believe the M-346FA’s ISR, rapid-strike and precision-engagement capabilities will significantly enhance the NAF’s support to ground forces.

The aircraft’s advanced avionics and secure datalink systems are also expected to improve intelligence fusion and joint operations, enabling faster decision-making and more accurate targeting while reducing collateral damage.

Training, logistics and long-term sustainment

Beyond combat, the M-346FA offers substantial training value. Its dual-role design allows pilots to transition from advanced training to operational missions on the same platform, improving pilot readiness and lowering overall training costs.

Sources familiar with the deal say the contract is likely to include simulators, ground-based training systems, spare parts, and long-term maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) support. Nigeria has emphasized building local sustainment capability, which could strengthen domestic aerospace expertise and reduce long-term dependence on foreign maintenance.

Financing and strategic implications

The estimated $1.2 billion cost makes the deal one of Nigeria’s largest recent defence procurements. The government has approved external financing for key military acquisitions, arguing that improved national security is essential for economic stability and development. While the price tag has drawn public scrutiny, officials maintain the investment is justified by the evolving security landscape.

At a regional level, the acquisition is expected to enhance Nigeria’s air power and reinforce its position as a leading military actor in West Africa. Analysts suggest the move could influence defence planning across the region.

Outlook

If completed as planned, the delivery of 24 M-346FA jets will mark a major step in the modernization of the Nigerian Air Force, providing a versatile platform tailored to counter-insurgency, ISR and territorial defence missions. The long-term impact will depend on effective integration, sustained funding, and close coordination between air, ground and intelligence forces.

As negotiations advance and delivery timelines become clearer, the program is set to remain central to debates over Nigeria’s defence priorities and its broader security strategy.