Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru, recently inspected the production of advanced combat aircraft and helicopters for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) at Leonardo S.p.A’s facilities in northern Italy. This visit highlights the country’s efforts to modernize its military capabilities.
Key Developments:
- AW109 Trekker Attack Helicopters: 3 completed and ready for delivery, 3 more by end-2025, and 4 in early 2026
- M-346 Fighter Attack Jets: 6 at advanced stages, 3 undergoing flight tests, with 24 jets to be delivered in 4 batches
The inspection underscores President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Defence Agenda, prioritizing defence industry revitalization, troop welfare, and next-gen military hardware acquisition. This strategic move aims to strengthen Nigeria’s national defence and security.
