# Nigeria's M‑346 fighter jet procurement > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigerias-m346-fighter-jet-procurement > Updated: 2026-07-29T21:23:07.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. In late June and early July 2026, the Nigerian Air Force and the Federal Ministry of Defence completed factory acceptance tests for the first three Leonardo M‑346FA fighter‑attack aircraft at the company’s plant in Venegono, Italy. The tests verified that the jets met all contractual, technical and air‑worthiness requirements, and included inspections of full‑mission simulators, virtual‑reality training systems and other ground‑based support facilities. Officials discussed pilot training, maintenance support and long‑term fleet sustainment. The successful acceptance clears the way for delivery, now expected by December 2026, and represents the first concrete step in a €1.2 billion contract signed in 2023 for a total of 24 M‑346FA aircraft. Nigeria thus becomes the first African nation to order and operate this advanced trainer‑light combat platform, after an initial delivery schedule was delayed by funding uncertainties. ## Timeline ### 2026-07-29: Nigeria finalizes acceptance of first three Leonardo M‑346FA jets from Italy Nigeria’s Air Force cleared factory tests for three Leonardo M‑346FA jets in Italy, paving the way for delivery by Dec 2026 under a €1.2 bn contract for 24 aircraft, the first such order by an African nation. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-finalizes-acceptance-of-first-three-leonardo-m346fa-jets-from-italy ### 2026-07-27: Nigerian Air Force Completes Acceptance Test for First M‑346 Fighter Jets The Nigerian Air Force completed the factory acceptance test for its first three M‑346 fighter‑attack jets in Italy, confirming they meet all contractual and airworthiness standards and are cleared for delivery 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-air-force-completes-acceptance-test-for-first-m346-fighter-jets --- Cite as: Nigeria's M‑346 fighter jet procurement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigerias-m346-fighter-jet-procurement