The Nigerian Air Force has recorded another major milestone in its ongoing fleet modernisation programme with the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test for the first batch of three M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy.
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame indicates that the successful completion of the acceptance process confirms that the three aircraft, designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03, have met the required contractual, technical and airworthiness standards paving the way for their induction into the NAF inventory as part of its expanding fleet of modern air combat platforms.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft as another strategic step in strengthening the Nigerian Air Force’s operational capability noting that the aircraft’s unique combination of advanced pilot training and frontline combat capability will significantly enhance the Service’s ability to generate combat-ready aircrew while expanding its capacity to conduct precision strike, close air support, air interdiction and other air combat missions in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The successful Factory Acceptance Test also underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, to strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria through the acquisition of modern, technologically advanced and mission-ready platforms.