The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its air power capabilities during a strategic inspection of ongoing aircraft production at Leonardo S.p.A’s defence facilities in Italy.
The inspection was part of activities marking the Minister’s participation in the official visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to Italy for the AQABA Process Meeting in Rome.
During the visit, the Defence Minister toured two key Leonardo divisions — the Helicopters Division in Vergiate, where AW109 Trekker attack helicopters for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) are being assembled, and the Aircraft Division in Venegono (VA), which is producing the M-346 Fighter Attack Jets.
Accompanied by senior engineers and executives of Leonardo, the Minister observed assembly and flight test operations, received detailed technical briefings, and expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work.
“These visits are not just about acquisitions — they are about ensuring value, quality, and readiness,” the Minister said. “President Tinubu’s administration remains fully committed to equipping our Armed Forces with the tools and technology required to secure the nation and protect our sovereignty.”
According to Leonardo’s production update, six of the twenty-four M-346 Fighter Attack Jets ordered by Nigeria are in advanced stages of production, with three already undergoing flight tests. The remaining three are expected to begin testing soon. The jets will be delivered in four batches of six, complete with armaments, support equipment, spare parts, training, and logistics systems.
Similarly, on the helicopter programme, three of the ten AW109 Trekker attack helicopters are fully completed and ready for handover. Another three are scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, while the remaining four will be delivered in early 2026.
The visit, according to the Ministry, reflects the Tinubu Administration’s strategic push for a modern, professional, and combat-ready Armed Forces through sustained investment, training, and international partnerships.
“Nigeria’s security architecture is being rebuilt on the foundation of technology, discipline, and collaboration,” the Minister added. “What we are seeing here today is the future of Nigeria’s air defence.”
