Nigeria finalizes acceptance of first three Leonardo M‑346FA jets from Italy

The Nigerian Air Force completed factory acceptance tests for the first three Leonardo M‑346FA fighter‑attack jets at the company’s plant in Venegono, Italy. The tests confirmed that the aircraft meet all contractual, technical and airworthiness requirements, clearing the way for delivery, which is expected by December 2026.

The jets are part of a €1.2 billion contract signed in 2023 for a total of 24 M‑346FA aircraft, making Nigeria the first African nation to order and operate this advanced trainer‑light combat platform. The initial delivery schedule, originally set for early 2025, was delayed due to funding uncertainties, but the recent acceptance marks the first concrete step toward integrating the aircraft into Nigeria’s air‑force training and operational capabilities.