Nigerian Air Force get ready for the first batch of M-346FA attack jet, aquired to replace the Alpha jet in the light ground attack role. With a price tag of $1.2 billion (for 24 aircraft) it is the single most expensive acquisition in the history of the Nigerian Air Force

The M-346FA will come between the Super Tucano and JF-17Thunder to become the workhorse of the NAF by complementing the Counter Insurgency warfare carried out by the A-29 Super Tucano

and provide air to air/ air superiority support to the JF-17 Thunder for strategic air defence and deep strike missions.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will begin the acquisition of 24 Italian made M-346 fighter attack aircraft, adding the new fighter jets into its inventory as it looks to offset its older Alpha Jet Fleet. This was announced after NAF received a Federal Government approval for this purchase.

Out of the 24 ordered units of the M-346, NAF will take delivery of 12 units this year, with NAF hoping for the remaining 12 units to arrive from next year.

“We have already signed agreement for the supply of 12 and be rest assured that we are going to get 12 this year and the remaining ones will be supplied by next year,” said Director of Air Force Affairs, Ashibel Utsu.

According to multiple sources, pilots and engineers are to be sent for training at the International Flight Training School of Galatina, Lecce and Decimomannu Air base, Sardinia in Italy.

The combat capable M-346FA can perform ground attack, homeland defence and air policing missions and reconnaissance.

Various munitions and stores can be carried, including IRIS-T or AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, various air-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, free-fall and laser-guided bombs and rockets, a 12.7 mm gun pod, reconnaissance and targeting pods, and electronic warfare pods. Weapon aiming is performed using the Helmet Mounted Display and the multifunction displays.

The NAF is determined to get the right mix of military aircraft for its future inventory considering the idea of the new fighter jet which falls somewhere between fourth- and fifth-generation airframes – meaning it could easily be upgraded throughout its life.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) also began taking delivery of the first six of 12 Embraer A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft from July 22, 2021.

The A-29 Super Tucano will support flight and combat training, close air support operations, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), armed over-watch, counterinsurgency and irregular warfare scenarios. NAF will take delivery of the second batch before the end of the year.

Mooh247:



$1.2 billion. Kilode


.

AnonPoet:


https://twitter.com/DefenseNigeria/status/1493665525683077125?t=xNqWoJFgvcFju-Dlx-NdQw&s=19

Tetehjewels:
This is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria.

Buhari has done well with equipping our military. We cannot be called giant of Africa without military arsenals.

Now this is more like it.

Past leaders virtually did nothing for our military unlike Buhari has done

Itohanmiwa:
All hail President Buhari. Mehn this man doesn't make noise, he just takes people unaware. It's one sign of a very disciplined individual. Because with all the negative comments being said about him he has still refused granting interviews to waste his precious time. Instead baba is busy achieving. My mind changed after I experienced the over enhanced quality and comfort of Nigerian railway corporation. I'm sure we will all appreciate this man better once he leaves office. Well except you don't reason tho.
GOD BLESS NIGERIA AND NOWHERE ELSE.

Golan007:


How much should they be?

Gireiboy:
Yes! Yes! is about time

ojun50:
Na only to receive them Sabi,why bokoharm dey give