The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has called for the swift delivery of the M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft and the establishment of a Leonardo support office in Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Air Force’s combat readiness and sustain fleet modernisation. Aneke made the call during a strategic engagement with Leonardo Aircraft Division and Leonardo Helicopter Division in Milan, Italy, between January 19 and 20, 2026. According to a statement on Tuesday by the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Chief noted that the timely delivery of the M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft, alongside associated spares, ground support equipment and training packages, was critical to ensuring seamless induction of the platform into NAF operational service. He stressed that synchronising aircraft delivery timelines with the readiness of the Main Operating Base in Nigeria would guarantee rapid operational deployment and sustained mission effectiveness. “At the Leonardo Aircraft Division, 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. He noted that the platform will significantly enhance Nigeria’s precision strike capability, training efficiency, and regional deterrence posture, while emphasising the importance of synchronising delivery timelines with the readiness of the Main Operating Base in Nigeria to guarantee seamless induction into service. “Air Marshal Aneke further 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,” the statement partly read. According to him, the move aligns with the Federal Government’s emphasis on self-reliance, local capacity development and operational efficiency in defence operations. Related News Afternoon recap: Drug kingpin arrested 12 years after killing NDLEA agents, Wike, govs sued, other top stories NAF airstrikes kill over 40 terrorists in Borno PHOTOS: Armed Forces Resettlement Centre welcomes new commandant The Air Chief described the M-346 programme as a major milestone in renewing the NAF’s combat fleet, noting that the platform would enhance precision strike capability, improve training outcomes and reinforce Nigeria’s regional deterrence posture. During the visit, Aneke also commended Leonardo for its continued support and professionalism, highlighting the strong operational performance of Leonardo platforms already in NAF service, including the G-222, ATR-42 and various AW-109 helicopter variants. Responding on behalf of Leonardo, the Senior Vice President, Sales, Leonardo Helicopter Division, Mr Andrea Mirteto, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria, assuring of timely delivery, sustainment and expanded cooperation under the AW-109 Trekker and M-346 programmes. Aneke reassured Nigerians that the NAF, working with other security agencies, remained committed to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to address security challenges across the country through sustained investment in modern platforms, training and strategic partnerships. The visit to Italy came days after his trip to the United States, where he was from January 5 and 6 to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters. During the US visit, he held meetings with government officials and representatives of Bell Textron. Aneke made the call during a strategic engagement with Leonardo Aircraft Division and Leonardo Helicopter Division in Milan, Italy, between January 19 and 20, 2026. According to a statement on Tuesday by the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Chief noted that the timely delivery of the M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft, alongside associated spares, ground support equipment and training packages, was critical to ensuring seamless induction of the platform into NAF operational service. He stressed that synchronising aircraft delivery timelines with the readiness of the Main Operating Base in Nigeria would guarantee rapid operational deployment and sustained mission effectiveness. “At the Leonardo Aircraft Division, 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. He noted that the platform will significantly enhance Nigeria’s precision strike capability, training efficiency, and regional deterrence posture, while emphasising the importance of synchronising delivery timelines with the readiness of the Main Operating Base in Nigeria to guarantee seamless induction into service. “Air Marshal Aneke further 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,” the statement partly read. According to him, the move aligns with the Federal Government’s emphasis on self-reliance, local capacity development and operational efficiency in defence operations. Related News Afternoon recap: Drug kingpin arrested 12 years after killing NDLEA agents, Wike, govs sued, other top stories NAF airstrikes kill over 40 terrorists in Borno PHOTOS: Armed Forces Resettlement Centre welcomes new commandant The Air Chief described the M-346 programme as a major milestone in renewing the NAF’s combat fleet, noting that the platform would enhance precision strike capability, improve training outcomes and reinforce Nigeria’s regional deterrence posture. During the visit, Aneke also commended Leonardo for its continued support and professionalism, highlighting the strong operational performance of Leonardo platforms already in NAF service, including the G-222, ATR-42 and various AW-109 helicopter variants. Responding on behalf of Leonardo, the Senior Vice President, Sales, Leonardo Helicopter Division, Mr Andrea Mirteto, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria, assuring of timely delivery, sustainment and expanded cooperation under the AW-109 Trekker and M-346 programmes. Aneke reassured Nigerians that the NAF, working with other security agencies, remained committed to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to address security challenges across the country through sustained investment in modern platforms, training and strategic partnerships. The visit to Italy came days after his trip to the United States, where he was from January 5 and 6 to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters. During the US visit, he held meetings with government officials and representatives of Bell Textron. According to a statement on Tuesday by the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Chief noted that the timely delivery of the M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft, alongside associated spares, ground support equipment and training packages, was critical to ensuring seamless induction of the platform into NAF operational service. He stressed that synchronising aircraft delivery timelines with the readiness of the Main Operating Base in Nigeria would guarantee rapid operational deployment and sustained mission effectiveness. “At the Leonardo Aircraft Division, 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. He noted that the platform will significantly enhance Nigeria’s precision strike capability, training efficiency, and regional deterrence posture, while emphasising the importance of synchronising delivery timelines with the readiness of the Main Operating Base in Nigeria to guarantee seamless induction into service. “Air Marshal Aneke further 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,” the statement partly read. According to him, the move aligns with the Federal Government’s emphasis on self-reliance, local capacity development and operational efficiency in defence operations. Related News Afternoon recap: Drug kingpin arrested 12 years after killing NDLEA agents, Wike, govs sued, other top stories NAF airstrikes kill over 40 terrorists in Borno PHOTOS: Armed Forces Resettlement Centre welcomes new commandant The Air Chief described the M-346 programme as a major milestone in renewing the NAF’s combat fleet, noting that the platform would enhance precision strike capability, improve training outcomes and reinforce Nigeria’s regional deterrence posture. During the visit, Aneke also commended Leonardo for its continued support and professionalism, highlighting the strong operational performance of Leonardo platforms already in NAF service, including the G-222, ATR-42 and various AW-109 helicopter variants. Responding on behalf of Leonardo, the Senior Vice President, Sales, Leonardo Helicopter Division, Mr Andrea Mirteto, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria, assuring of timely delivery, sustainment and expanded cooperation under the AW-109 Trekker and M-346 programmes. Aneke reassured Nigerians that the NAF, working with other security agencies, remained committed to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to address security challenges across the country through sustained investment in modern platforms, training and strategic partnerships. The visit to Italy came days after his trip to the United States, where he was from January 5 and 6 to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters. During the US visit, he held meetings with government officials and representatives of Bell Textron. He stressed that synchronising aircraft delivery timelines with the readiness of the Main Operating Base in Nigeria would guarantee rapid operational deployment and sustained mission effectiveness. “At the Leonardo Aircraft Division, 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. He noted that the platform will significantly enhance Nigeria’s precision strike capability, training efficiency, and regional deterrence posture, while emphasising the importance of synchronising delivery timelines with the readiness of the Main Operating Base in Nigeria to guarantee seamless induction into service. “Air Marshal Aneke further 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,” the statement partly read. According to him, the move aligns with the Federal Government’s emphasis on self-reliance, local capacity development and operational efficiency in defence operations. Related News Afternoon recap: Drug kingpin arrested 12 years after killing NDLEA agents, Wike, govs sued, other top stories NAF airstrikes kill over 40 terrorists in Borno PHOTOS: Armed Forces Resettlement Centre welcomes new commandant The Air Chief described the M-346 programme as a major milestone in renewing the NAF’s combat fleet, noting that the platform would enhance precision strike capability, improve training outcomes and reinforce Nigeria’s regional deterrence posture. During the visit, Aneke also commended Leonardo for its continued support and professionalism, highlighting the strong operational performance of Leonardo platforms already in NAF service, including the G-222, ATR-42 and various AW-109 helicopter variants. Responding on behalf of Leonardo, the Senior Vice President, Sales, Leonardo Helicopter Division, Mr Andrea Mirteto, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria, assuring of timely delivery, sustainment and expanded cooperation under the AW-109 Trekker and M-346 programmes. Aneke reassured Nigerians that the NAF, working with other security agencies, remained committed to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to address security challenges across the country through sustained investment in modern platforms, training and strategic partnerships. The visit to Italy came days after his trip to the United States, where he was from January 5 and 6 to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters. During the US visit, he held meetings with government officials and representatives of Bell Textron. “At the Leonardo Aircraft Division, 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. He noted that the platform will significantly enhance Nigeria’s precision strike capability, training efficiency, and regional deterrence posture, while emphasising the importance of synchronising delivery timelines with the readiness of the Main Operating Base in Nigeria to guarantee seamless induction into service. “Air Marshal Aneke further 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,” the statement partly read. According to him, the move aligns with the Federal Government’s emphasis on self-reliance, local capacity development and operational efficiency in defence operations. Related News Afternoon recap: Drug kingpin arrested 12 years after killing NDLEA agents, Wike, govs sued, other top stories NAF airstrikes kill over 40 terrorists in Borno PHOTOS: Armed Forces Resettlement Centre welcomes new commandant The Air Chief described the M-346 programme as a major milestone in renewing the NAF’s combat fleet, noting that the platform would enhance precision strike capability, improve training outcomes and reinforce Nigeria’s regional deterrence posture. During the visit, Aneke also commended Leonardo for its continued support and professionalism, highlighting the strong operational performance of Leonardo platforms already in NAF service, including the G-222, ATR-42 and various AW-109 helicopter variants. Responding on behalf of Leonardo, the Senior Vice President, Sales, Leonardo Helicopter Division, Mr Andrea Mirteto, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria, assuring of timely delivery, sustainment and expanded cooperation under the AW-109 Trekker and M-346 programmes. Aneke reassured Nigerians that the NAF, working with other security agencies, remained committed to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to address security challenges across the country through sustained investment in modern platforms, training and strategic partnerships. The visit to Italy came days after his trip to the United States, where he was from January 5 and 6 to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters. During the US visit, he held meetings with government officials and representatives of Bell Textron. “Air Marshal Aneke further 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,” the statement partly read. According to him, the move aligns with the Federal Government’s emphasis on self-reliance, local capacity development and operational efficiency in defence operations. Related News Afternoon recap: Drug kingpin arrested 12 years after killing NDLEA agents, Wike, govs sued, other top stories NAF airstrikes kill over 40 terrorists in Borno PHOTOS: Armed Forces Resettlement Centre welcomes new commandant The Air Chief described the M-346 programme as a major milestone in renewing the NAF’s combat fleet, noting that the platform would enhance precision strike capability, improve training outcomes and reinforce Nigeria’s regional deterrence posture. During the visit, Aneke also commended Leonardo for its continued support and professionalism, highlighting the strong operational performance of Leonardo platforms already in NAF service, including the G-222, ATR-42 and various AW-109 helicopter variants. Responding on behalf of Leonardo, the Senior Vice President, Sales, Leonardo Helicopter Division, Mr Andrea Mirteto, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria, assuring of timely delivery, sustainment and expanded cooperation under the AW-109 Trekker and M-346 programmes. Aneke reassured Nigerians that the NAF, working with other security agencies, remained committed to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to address security challenges across the country through sustained investment in modern platforms, training and strategic partnerships. The visit to Italy came days after his trip to the United States, where he was from January 5 and 6 to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters. During the US visit, he held meetings with government officials and representatives of Bell Textron. According to him, the move aligns with the Federal Government’s emphasis on self-reliance, local capacity development and operational efficiency in defence operations. Related News Afternoon recap: Drug kingpin arrested 12 years after killing NDLEA agents, Wike, govs sued, other top stories NAF airstrikes kill over 40 terrorists in Borno PHOTOS: Armed Forces Resettlement Centre welcomes new commandant The Air Chief described the M-346 programme as a major milestone in renewing the NAF’s combat fleet, noting that the platform would enhance precision strike capability, improve training outcomes and reinforce Nigeria’s regional deterrence posture. During the visit, Aneke also commended Leonardo for its continued support and professionalism, highlighting the strong operational performance of Leonardo platforms already in NAF service, including the G-222, ATR-42 and various AW-109 helicopter variants. Responding on behalf of Leonardo, the Senior Vice President, Sales, Leonardo Helicopter Division, Mr Andrea Mirteto, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria, assuring of timely delivery, sustainment and expanded cooperation under the AW-109 Trekker and M-346 programmes. Aneke reassured Nigerians that the NAF, working with other security agencies, remained committed to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to address security challenges across the country through sustained investment in modern platforms, training and strategic partnerships. The visit to Italy came days after his trip to the United States, where he was from January 5 and 6 to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters. During the US visit, he held meetings with government officials and representatives of Bell Textron. The Air Chief described the M-346 programme as a major milestone in renewing the NAF’s combat fleet, noting that the platform would enhance precision strike capability, improve training outcomes and reinforce Nigeria’s regional deterrence posture. During the visit, Aneke also commended Leonardo for its continued support and professionalism, highlighting the strong operational performance of Leonardo platforms already in NAF service, including the G-222, ATR-42 and various AW-109 helicopter variants. Responding on behalf of Leonardo, the Senior Vice President, Sales, Leonardo Helicopter Division, Mr Andrea Mirteto, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria, assuring of timely delivery, sustainment and expanded cooperation under the AW-109 Trekker and M-346 programmes. Aneke reassured Nigerians that the NAF, working with other security agencies, remained committed to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to address security challenges across the country through sustained investment in modern platforms, training and strategic partnerships. The visit to Italy came days after his trip to the United States, where he was from January 5 and 6 to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters. During the US visit, he held meetings with government officials and representatives of Bell Textron. During the visit, Aneke also commended Leonardo for its continued support and professionalism, highlighting the strong operational performance of Leonardo platforms already in NAF service, including the G-222, ATR-42 and various AW-109 helicopter variants. Responding on behalf of Leonardo, the Senior Vice President, Sales, Leonardo Helicopter Division, Mr Andrea Mirteto, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria, assuring of timely delivery, sustainment and expanded cooperation under the AW-109 Trekker and M-346 programmes. Aneke reassured Nigerians that the NAF, working with other security agencies, remained committed to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to address security challenges across the country through sustained investment in modern platforms, training and strategic partnerships. The visit to Italy came days after his trip to the United States, where he was from January 5 and 6 to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters. During the US visit, he held meetings with government officials and representatives of Bell Textron. Responding on behalf of Leonardo, the Senior Vice President, Sales, Leonardo Helicopter Division, Mr Andrea Mirteto, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria, assuring of timely delivery, sustainment and expanded cooperation under the AW-109 Trekker and M-346 programmes. Aneke reassured Nigerians that the NAF, working with other security agencies, remained committed to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to address security challenges across the country through sustained investment in modern platforms, training and strategic partnerships. The visit to Italy came days after his trip to the United States, where he was from January 5 and 6 to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters. During the US visit, he held meetings with government officials and representatives of Bell Textron. Aneke reassured Nigerians that the NAF, working with other security agencies, remained committed to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to address security challenges across the country through sustained investment in modern platforms, training and strategic partnerships. The visit to Italy came days after his trip to the United States, where he was from January 5 and 6 to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters. During the US visit, he held meetings with government officials and representatives of Bell Textron. The visit to Italy came days after his trip to the United States, where he was from January 5 and 6 to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters. During the US visit, he held meetings with government officials and representatives of Bell Textron. During the US visit, he held meetings with government officials and representatives of Bell Textron.
Air chief pushes for early delivery of M-346 fighter jets
