By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
Nigeria’s push to reset its air combat capability took a decisive step forward in Milan this week as the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, advanced negotiations on the M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft an acquisition the Air Force says will redefine precision strike, pilot training and regional deterrence.
During a two-day strategic engagement with Leonardo Aircraft Division in Italy, the Air Force Chief described the M-346 programme as a pivotal leap in the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) fleet modernisation drive, with carefully sequenced aircraft delivery and rapid induction into service now at the centre of planning.
The visit, held between January 19 and 20, 2026, brought together senior Nigerian defence and finance officials alongside top NAF commanders, underscoring the political weight attached to airpower renewal under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s security and defence-industrial agenda.
At the heart of the talks was a clear objective: turn procurement into capability.
Air Marshal Aneke told Leonardo executives that the M-346 platform would significantly enhance Nigeria’s precision strike capacity while simultaneously closing long-standing gaps in advanced pilot training.
Beyond firepower, he said, the aircraft would strengthen Nigeria’s deterrence posture in a volatile regional security environment increasingly shaped by asymmetric threats.
But the CAS was equally emphatic on the details that often undermine big-ticket defence acquisitions timelines, training and sustainment.
He stressed that delivery schedules must align with the readiness of the Main Operating Base in Nigeria to avoid idle assets, while comprehensive early training for pilots, engineers and logisticians must precede aircraft induction.
Central to this plan is the proposed establishment of a Leonardo Support Office in Nigeria, aimed at improving aircraft availability, shortening turnaround times and building local technical capacity.
“These elements,” Aneke noted, “are critical to long-term operational effectiveness and self-reliance.”
The Milan engagement also extended to Leonardo’s Helicopter Division, where the CAS reviewed the performance and future support of platforms already flying Nigerian colours.
He praised the operational reliability of Leonardo aircraft in NAF service including the G-222, ATR-42 and multiple AW-109 helicopter variants which have become workhorses in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, humanitarian relief and disaster response missions.
Modern, agile helicopters such as the AW-109 Trekker Type B, he said, continue to provide vital mobility and fire support across Nigeria’s diverse operational theatres, where speed and adaptability often determine mission success.
Leonardo, for its part, reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria as a long-term strategic partner.
Speaking on behalf of the company, Andrea Mirteto, Senior Vice President for Sales at Leonardo Helicopters, assured Nigerian officials of sustained support under both the AW-109 Trekker and M-346 programmes, including timely delivery and expanded cooperation.
For the Nigerian Air Force, the Italy visit was more than a courtesy call, it was a signal of intent.
Air Marshal Aneke said sustained investment in modern platforms, structured training and strategic partnerships remains central to building a more responsive and resilient Air Force capable of supporting joint operations, protecting lives and property, and underpinning national economic stability.
As Nigeria confronts evolving security threats at home and across its borders, the message from Milan was unmistakable: airpower is no longer optional, it is strategic, and the runway to renewal is finally clear.
