34 Italian jets and helicopters are added to the Nigerian air force’s fleet

As part of a fleet renewal strategy, Nigeria’s air force is purchasing 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters and 24 Italian-made M-346 assault jets, a spokesperson announced Monday.

A team led by Nigeria’s Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar met with executives from Italy’s Leonardo S.p.A. (LDOF.MI), opens new tab, the manufacturer, in Rome, according to a statement from Air Force spokesperson Olusola Akinboyewa. The executives confirmed that the first three M-346 aircraft were anticipated to be delivered by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries scheduled until mid-2026.

According to Akinboyewa, the Trekker helicopters should arrive by the beginning of 2026.
Abubakar was quoted as stating, “The M-346 and Trekker acquisitions are key steps towards fleet renewal,” highlighting the necessity of a maintenance facility in Nigeria to offer sustained support, especially for the M-346 fleet.

Nigeria, which has been fighting a 15-year Islamist insurgency against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the northeast and armed bandit attacks in the northwest, has increased its military spending in recent years.

Nigeria received 12 American-made A-29 Super Tucano light attack jets in 2021 to combat rebels, and two “Huey” helicopters in June, on top of the two Trekkers it had previously purchased.

Delivery of Wing Loong II drones, manufactured in China, is still pending.