The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully completed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the first batch of three M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft ahead of their delivery to Nigeria.
The acceptance tests were conducted at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy, between June 29 and July 9 by a joint delegation from the Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Defence.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday, July 27, by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
According to him, the successful completion of the exercise signifies that all contractual acceptance requirements have been fulfilled before the aircraft are delivered to Nigeria.
“The successful completion of the acceptance process confirms that the three aircraft, designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03, have met the required contractual, technical and airworthiness standards,” Ejodame said.
“Following comprehensive verification by representatives of the NAF, the Ministry of Defence and Leonardo Aircraft Division, the aircraft were formally certified for delivery, paving the way for their induction into the NAF inventory as part of its expanding fleet of modern air combat platforms.”
He added that the milestone aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in coordination with ground forces.
Beyond the acceptance tests, the Nigerian delegation also held discussions with Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot and maintenance training, logistics support and long-term fleet sustainment.
The team inspected the Full Mission Simulator, virtual reality-enabled training systems and other ground-based facilities that will be used to train Nigerian pilots and technical personnel to operate and maintain the new aircraft.
“These investments will strengthen indigenous training and technical capacity, enhance operational self-sufficiency and ensure sustained mission readiness for years to come,” Ejodame added.