Jets Bomb Sokoto Presidency
The federal government is set to bolster the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) capabilities by acquiring 34 new fighter jets to enhance its fight against bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Sunday by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa.
EKO HOT BLOG gathered that the new acquisitions included 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack jets and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters. These will complement the existing fleet, which includes 12 Super Tucano aircraft, two additional DA-62 surveillance aircraft, T-129 ATAK helicopters, and two Diamond-62 multi-purpose aircraft acquired over the past two years.
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Akinboyewa disclosed that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, along with officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, recently traveled to Italy to finalize the procurement of the new jets.
“A team of NAF experts, led by the Chief of Air Staff, along with officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, recently participated in a Programme Management Review Meeting in Italy with Messrs Leonardo S.P.A. The meeting aimed to finalize the acquisition of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack jets and 10 additional AW-109 Trekker helicopters, adding to the two already procured by the NAF,” the statement said.
The statement further revealed that the first three of the 24 M-346 jets would be delivered by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries expected through mid-2026. The 10 additional AW-109 helicopters are scheduled for delivery by early 2026.
During the visit, the Chief of Air Staff inspected the six M-346 jets previously purchased from Leonardo, with three nearing completion. He also emphasized the need for establishing a maintenance hub in Nigeria to provide long-term support for the M-346 fleet.
The M-346 jets, known for their advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, are expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s air combat strength. Additionally, the AW-109 helicopters will be utilized for various combat support roles, including Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), tactical airlift, and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC).
“The acquisition of the M-346 and Trekker helicopters is a key step towards fleet renewal, in line with the CAS Command Philosophy to transform the NAF for greater agility and resilience, with a focus on optimizing force structure and enhancing operational effectiveness,” Akinboyewa concluded.
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