The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has engaged Leonardo Aircraft Division in Milan, Italy, on the M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft programme.

The M-346 is an advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft developed by Leonardo, designed to perform both pilot training and light attack roles due to its high performance and versatility.

Aneke described the programme as a critical leap in renewing the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) combat capability, noting that the platform would strengthen precision strike operations, improve training outcomes, and reinforce Nigeria’s regional deterrence posture through carefully synchronised aircraft delivery and seamless induction into operational service.

NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement that the visit of the CAS to Italy between January 19 and 20, 2025, formed part of a broader strategic engagement with Leonardo, which also included high-level interactions with the Leonardo Helicopter Division.

Ejodame said discussions focused on the M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft programme, which the CAS described as a major milestone in the ongoing renewal of the NAF’s combat fleet.

Speaking at the Leonardo Helicopter Division, Aneke described the engagement as a strategic opportunity to assess Leonardo’s advanced technological capabilities and consolidate long-standing institutional cooperation.

He commended Leonardo for its professionalism and sustained support to the NAF, noting that modern, agile, and mission-capable platforms, such as the AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters, continue to play vital roles in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and internal security operations across the country.

The CAS highlighted the proven operational record of Leonardo platforms in NAF service, including the G-222, ATR-42 and various AW-109 helicopter variants, which have delivered dependable performance in combat operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster response and other national support tasks.

He stressed that the timely delivery of aircraft, associated spares, ground support equipment, and structured training packages remains essential to ensuring rapid operational readiness and sustained mission effectiveness.

Aneke further noted that the M-346 platform would significantly enhance Nigeria’s precision strike capability, training efficiency, and regional deterrence posture, emphasising the importance of synchronising delivery timelines with the readiness of the Main Operating Base in Nigeria to ensure seamless induction into service.

He underscored the strategic importance of early and comprehensive training for pilots, engineers and logisticians, as well as the establishment of a Leonardo Support Office in Nigeria, saying these measures would improve aircraft availability, reduce turnaround time, enhance local capacity and strengthen long-term sustainment of both existing and future NAF platforms, in line with the administration’s emphasis on self-reliance and operational efficiency.

Responding on behalf of Leonardo, Mr Andrea Mirteto, Senior Vice President, Sales, Leonardo Helicopter Division, expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed Leonardo’s commitment to Nigeria as a valued and trusted strategic partner.