Leonardo has signed an agreement for the delivery of 24 M-346 transonic jets to the Nigerian Air Force. This is a great coup because before Nigeria had even contacted the Pakistani-Chinese consortium that produces the JF-17. So Leonardo beats fierce competition with this sale.
The contract will see the Italian company deliver the aircraft in tranches of six, with the first batch expected to arrive by the end of 2024.
The M-346 will be integrated as an advanced pilot training capability, as well as a multi-role aircraft for close air support, air interdiction and tactical reconnaissance. Its qualification as an advanced trainer and light fighter means that it is the optimal choice for air forces that do not have huge means, but still want to be able to perform all the functions of a modern military air force.
From a training point of view, the aircraft can be built on modular avionics which mimics that of the eventual final aircraft for which the pilots are destined, such as the Eurofighter, the F-22 or other US aircraft, or even Swedish aircraft. or French. In its light fighter function it has 7 hardpoints and can carry AIM-9 Sidewinder anti-aircraft missiles, machine guns or cannons, brimstone bombs or Maverick missiles.
Leonardo will provide fleet maintenance support for a minimum of 25 years. The company will also actively coordinate with the military in training efforts for the program’s pilots and engineers.
Nigeria’s partnership with Leonardo is part of a broader modernization effort to address the ongoing Islamist insurgency in the region.
M346 in the armed version
Modernize Nigeria’s fleet
Among Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its defenses is a partnership with Indonesia that includes plans to jointly produce and sell military equipment, as well as the delivery of four CN235-220 transport aircraft.
The US Department of Defense also recently confirmed the sale of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters to the country.
The $1 billion deal is expected to be completed in June. With this contract Nigeria seeks to complete its supplies.
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