Toju200:
MESSRS LEONARDO OF ITALY AFFIRM TIMELY DELIVERY OF M-346 FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

The Vice President of Messrs Leonardo, Mr Claudio Sabatino has assured the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Mashal Hasan Abubakar, of his Company’s unwavering commitment to the timely delivery of the M-346 fighter aircraft beginning with the first batch of 6 expected in Nigeria before the end of Year 2024. Mr Sabatino stated this when he paid a visit to Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters on Wednesday, 17 April 2024. While thanking the CAS for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage, Mr Sabatino also stated that further engagement between the NAF and his Company would be necessary to conclude other aspects of the project such as the commencement of pilots and engineering training. Speaking further, Mr Claudio assured the CAS that when finally completed, the maintenance of the aircraft fleet would not constitute a challenge as there is a binding agreement for Leonardo’s maintenance support for the minimum of 25 years. He also noted that the manufacturing of the aircraft fleet has reached an appreciable state and is being carried out with the utmost skill and expertise.

The assurance of long-term maintenance support provided by Leonardo was particularly met with appreciation by the CAS, who recognized the inherent value of such commitment in ensuring the sustained operational readiness of the entire aircraft fleet. Reflecting on the journey thus far, Air Marshal Abubakar also acknowledged the challenges overcome and expressed optimism for the future trajectory of the partnership. Envisioning the operational impact that the M-346 fighter aircraft brings to fore, Air Marshal Abubakar went on to underscore its dual role in bolstering training capabilities and augmenting operational effectiveness in diverse mission scenarios. Moreover, the prospect of Close air support, Air Interdiction, and tactical reconnaissance as well as Advanced Pilot Training capabilities inherent in the M-346 fighter aircraft heralded a new prospect for NAF’s operational versatility. The CAS further proposed the establishment of a dedicated Program Management Office, tasked with overseeing all facets of the collaboration. Air Marshal Abubakar also used the opportunity of the visit to reiterate the significance of Messr Leonardo's physical presence in Nigeria as a maintenance hub for their long list of African clienteles, whole also emphasizing the need for close coordination and synergy in achieving shared objectives with regards to the expeditious delivery of the fleet. Moving forward, both parties concurred on the importance of regular dialogue and collaboration as well as scheduling future meetings to delve into detailed arrangements on logistics, maintenance protocols and configuration requirements.

Recall that the Federal Government is acquiring 24 x M-346 fighter aircraft from Messrs Leonardo of Italy in a move that marks a significant step in NAF’s ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet as well as bolster its operation effectiveness. The aircraft is expected to arrive in Nigeria in 4 trenches of 6 each, with the first trench billed to arrive before the end of Year 2024.

Edward Gabkwet
Air Vice Marshal
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force

19 April 2024

SSBN841:
GBU-57, or the Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb.

Toju200:
MESSRS LEONARDO OF ITALY AFFIRM TIMELY DELIVERY OF M-346 FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

The Vice President of Messrs Leonardo, Mr Claudio Sabatino has assured the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Mashal Hasan Abubakar, of his Company’s unwavering commitment to the timely delivery of the M-346 fighter aircraft beginning with the first batch of 6 expected in Nigeria before the end of Year 2024. Mr Sabatino stated this when he paid a visit to Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters on Wednesday, 17 April 2024. While thanking the CAS for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage, Mr Sabatino also stated that further engagement between the NAF and his Company would be necessary to conclude other aspects of the project such as the commencement of pilots and engineering training. Speaking further, Mr Claudio assured the CAS that when finally completed, the maintenance of the aircraft fleet would not constitute a challenge as there is a binding agreement for Leonardo’s maintenance support for the minimum of 25 years. He also noted that the manufacturing of the aircraft fleet has reached an appreciable state and is being carried out with the utmost skill and expertise.

The assurance of long-term maintenance support provided by Leonardo was particularly met with appreciation by the CAS, who recognized the inherent value of such commitment in ensuring the sustained operational readiness of the entire aircraft fleet. Reflecting on the journey thus far, Air Marshal Abubakar also acknowledged the challenges overcome and expressed optimism for the future trajectory of the partnership. Envisioning the operational impact that the M-346 fighter aircraft brings to fore, Air Marshal Abubakar went on to underscore its dual role in bolstering training capabilities and augmenting operational effectiveness in diverse mission scenarios. Moreover, the prospect of Close air support, Air Interdiction, and tactical reconnaissance as well as Advanced Pilot Training capabilities inherent in the M-346 fighter aircraft heralded a new prospect for NAF’s operational versatility. The CAS further proposed the establishment of a dedicated Program Management Office, tasked with overseeing all facets of the collaboration. Air Marshal Abubakar also used the opportunity of the visit to reiterate the significance of Messr Leonardo's physical presence in Nigeria as a maintenance hub for their long list of African clienteles, whole also emphasizing the need for close coordination and synergy in achieving shared objectives with regards to the expeditious delivery of the fleet. Moving forward, both parties concurred on the importance of regular dialogue and collaboration as well as scheduling future meetings to delve into detailed arrangements on logistics, maintenance protocols and configuration requirements.

Recall that the Federal Government is acquiring 24 x M-346 fighter aircraft from Messrs Leonardo of Italy in a move that marks a significant step in NAF’s ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet as well as bolster its operation effectiveness. The aircraft is expected to arrive in Nigeria in 4 trenches of 6 each, with the first trench billed to arrive before the end of Year 2024.

Edward Gabkwet
Air Vice Marshal
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force

19 April 2024

QuietMynd:

Lol, bro jst take his joint.
But the ones he's been taking for a couple of days re very strong man

SSBN841:
It has begun. If Iran retaliates the U.S will deliver bunker bursting bombs Israel has been requesting for years.

MUTERIKA:
Heard the Chief of Defense Forces of Kenya died in a helicopter crash. My condolences to our Kenyan brothers

Faithful007:
These cute black IDF soldiers of Ethiopian descent will make you rethink any anti Israeli bias you had

kabe1:
3 x Nigerian Navy Vessels almost Ready for Delivery to Nigeria from Dearsan Shipyard.

kabe1:
3 x Nigerian Navy Vessels almost Ready for Delivery to Nigeria from Dearsan Shipyard.

Shaytun:


I am glad they are being outfitted with a SAM system.

kabe1:
3 x Nigerian Navy Vessels almost Ready for Delivery to Nigeria from Dearsan Shipyard.

kabe1:


Is this now confirmed?

Faithful007:


I love the shape. Looks like a new generation missile destroyer.

Exnavyboy62:


Looks like new Generation what…?? Have you seen INS Visakhapatnam…?? Have you seen Type 055 Destroyer…??Have you seen JS Mogami…?? Dey play.

Faithful007:


Read to understand bruh. I didn't call it a destroyer. I said it looked similar to some.

Exnavyboy62:
I’ve been thinking. If the Nigerian army starts operating the MD-500 attack helicopters for air support, what would the Nigerian airforce need the AH-1Z and T-129 Atak for…?? The same scenario also exists in the Armed Forces of India. The Army and Airforce operates attack helicopters.

Covert1:
Is this a good idea? Under a corrupt Tinubu administration! Nigerian governments since the return of democracy in 1999 [except for the Olusegun and Yar’Adua administrations] have been known to loot repatriated funds and reserves. I do not support this. The Nigerian people should resist this. Tinubu is at it again. He’s touched OPL 245 Nigeria’s largest offshore oil field benefiting his cousin [actually himself], something his predecessors dared not touch and now this. His CBN governor & Finance Minister are there to give him Nigeria like they did Lagos State. Tinubu has captured Lagos, now Nigeria.

https://www.the-star.co.ke/opinion/star-blogs/2024-04-22-nigeria-repatriates-gold-reserves-amidst-concerns-over-us-economy/