The Federal Government is set to rev up the war against insurgents and other criminal elements with 34 fighter jets.
Already, a team of experts headed by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, is in Italy finalising the procurement process.
The Air Marshal Abubakar-led team is made up of officials of the Ministries of Defence and Finance who participated in a Programme Management Review Meeting with Messrs Leonardo S.p.A in Rome.
On the list are 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack (FGA) jets and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters.
M-346 jet known as the Alenia Aermacchi, is an advanced trainer and light attack aircraft, with the advantages of precision strike, high speed, and maneuverability. It is said to be precise in Intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
The Trekker helicopter which is called AW169 or AW189, offers several advantages in military and counter-terrorism operations due to its endurance in the battlefield and quick response to emerging threats.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had repeatedly expressed his determination to equip the Armed Forces to enable them to perform their constitutional duties, and effectively combat security challenges across the country.
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said in a statement yesterday by its spokesman Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, that the first three units of the 24 M-346 aircraft would be delivered early next year. The last batch will arrive in mid-2026.
The statement reads: “While in Italy, the Chief of Air Staff made a strategic stopover at the Leonardo headquarters in Rome, where he engaged with top executives to consolidate a long-term partnership between the NAF and the company.
“He also inspected the first batch of six M-346 jets, noting that three are nearing completion, and evaluated key support systems required to boost the NAF’s operational readiness.
“During the review meeting, the Chief of Air Staff received updates on the delivery schedules, confirming that the first three units of the 24 M-346 aircraft to be built for Nigeria are expected by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries running until mid-2026.
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“With two Trekkers already acquired, the additional 10 are expected by early 2026.
“The M-346, capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, will “significantly” strengthen Nigeria’s air combat capabilities.
“On its part, the AW-109 will bolster combat support roles such as Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), tactical airlift and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) amongst others.”
The NAF boss recommended the establishment of a Programme Management Office to oversee the collaboration and ensure smooth project implementation. He also stressed the need for a maintenance hub in Nigeria to provide long-term support, especially for the M-346 fleet.
Yesterday also, Defence Minister (State) Bello Matawalle restated the government’s determination to boost the operational capacity of the NAF.
He gave the assurance while inspecting the ongoing development of NAF’s 119 Composite Group (CG) provisional layout in Sokoto, Sokoto State. He was in company with Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
Matawalle said the decision to improve the capacity of the Air Force was part of the government’s commitment to enhance national security.
A group, the Patriots for Peace and Social Development has commended military operations in Sokoto State.
Sani Shinkafi, executive director of the group, said many notorious bandits in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Kaduna states have been neutralised in recent military operations.
Shinkafi described Matawalle’s synergy with security agencies as a testament to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at restoring national security and prosperity.
