The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has bolstered its capabilities with the acquisition of 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force, as announced by Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant on Social Media to President Bola Tinubu. The aircraft were procured through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company.
“All 12 aircraft are ready for shipping,” Dada revealed on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, adding that the Nigerian Air Force already operates 11 Alpha Jets.
The Alpha Jet, a product of Franco-German engineering, is a multipurpose aircraft capable of conducting light attack missions and advanced pilot training. It is equipped to carry a range of weapons, including bombs, rockets, and missiles, and features a gun pod for close air support operations.
In addition to the Alpha Jets, the NAF anticipates the arrival of 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft ordered during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. These advanced aircraft are slated for delivery early next year, further enhancing Nigeria's air combat and training capabilities.
The Chief of Air Staff (COAS), Hasan Abubakar, commended President Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to modernizing the Air Force's fleet. “This remarkable turnaround reflects the president’s unwavering support,” Abubakar stated.
He highlighted the transformative impact of the new acquisitions on the operational readiness of the Air Force, underscoring their importance in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
The announcement comes shortly after President Tinubu's state visit to France from November 27 to 30 at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. During the visit, discussions likely touched on military collaboration and strategic partnerships.
In October, Abubakar also announced that Nigeria is expecting 24 Leonardo M-346FA aircraft from Italy, with six already under production. The first three units are scheduled to arrive by early 2025, with the entire fleet expected by 2026. The Air Chief emphasized the need to establish a maintenance hub in Nigeria to ensure the sustainability and operational efficiency of the new fleet.
The acquisition of these aircraft marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its Air Force and improve its capacity to tackle security threats. The growing fleet underscores the government’s focus on enhancing national defense and ensuring long-term operational readiness.
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