Nigerian Air Force Moves To Acquire 46 New Fighter Aircraft In Major Fleet Expansion
Nigerian Air Force Moves To Acquire 46 New Fighter Aircraft In Major Fleet Expansion
The jets are expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s airpower projection and operational readiness.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified moves to boost its combat strength with the fast-tracked procurement of 24 new fighter jets, part of a broader acquisition plan involving 46 aircraft.
The service said the 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack Aircraft form the core of the expansion, underscoring its focus on strengthening strike capability and modernising pilot training for advanced combat platforms.
The jets are expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s airpower projection and operational readiness.
According to the NAF, the acquisition drive is being supported through strategic engagements with partners in the United States, Italy and Türkiye.
Beyond the 24 fighter jets, the procurement package includes 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters, aimed at reinforcing both offensive and rotary-wing operations.
A statement on Friday by the NAF spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame, said the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, disclosed the development on Thursday while inaugurating infrastructural projects at NAF Base Kaduna.
“Strategic engagements in the United States, Italy, and Türkiye are already yielding results. We are fast-tracking the procurement of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack Aircraft, 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters, all aimed at enhancing our operational effectiveness across the full spectrum of air operations,” he noted.
Aneke linked the arrival of the 24 fighter jets to ongoing efforts to upgrade training and welfare infrastructure for personnel, particularly student pilots who will operate the advanced aircraft.
He said the completion of the Student Pilots’ Quarters marked a critical milestone in preparing aviators for modern combat platforms, stressing that the new facilities would strengthen training capacity and operational readiness.
“The infrastructure projects commissioned include six blocks of 12 one-bedroom Student Pilots’ Quarters, a block of six three-bedroom flats initiated by the Ministry of Defence and completed by the NAF, and a block of 30 one-bedroom studio apartments for airmen and airwomen of the Military Training Centre, ” he said.
According to the Air Chief, the projects are part of a broader vision to build a professional, mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in support of national security objectives.
He thanked the President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Tinubu, for backing national security initiatives, including defence cooperation with Türkiye for the acquisition of helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Aneke also urged personnel to maintain discipline and professionalism in the use of the new facilities.
He commended former Chief of the Air Staff, HB Abubakar, for initiating the project and acknowledged the Ministry of Defence, the National Assembly and contractors for their roles in completing the works.
