It is reported that on July 27, 2026, the Nigerian Air Force transferred the first three Leonardo M-346FA Master combat training aircraft out of 24 ordered under the 2023 contract to the Leonardo Aviation division of the Italian company in Venegono Superior. The first three aircraft transferred have the Nigerian tail numbers NAF-01, NAF-02 and NAF-03.
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| The first three Leonardo M-346FA Master combat training aircraft received by the Nigerian Air Force (Nigerian tail numbers NAF-01, NAF-02 and NAF-03) at the enterprise of the aviation division of the Italian Leonardo company in Venegono Superior, 07/27/2026. |
| Source: (c) Nigerian Air Force |
Nigeria signed a contract with Leonardo worth 1.2 billion euros for the purchase of 24 M-346FA aircraft in November 2023, and it entered into force in April 2024. The contract is divided into four series of six aircraft each.
The M-346FA (Fighter Attack) aircraft is a combat training (combat) version of the M-346 Master aircraft produced by Leonardo (Aermacchi). The main difference between the M-346FA is the installation of the Leonardo Grifo-346 airborne radar. The M-346FA aircraft is also equipped with an on-board defense system, data transmission equipment and has seven external suspension units for various weapons, while integrating a wide range of guided weapons. The M-346FA cabin equipment complies with the M-346 Block 20 standard and includes large-format indicators, a low-profile indicator against the windshield, a weapon control system, a new navigation system, new radios and a helmet-mounted aiming system.
Nigeria became the second customer of the M-346FA aircraft after Turkmenistan, which received four aircraft in 2021. In May 2025, Austria also signed a contract for the purchase of 12 M-346FA aircraft, with an option for another 12 aircraft, with deliveries starting in 2027. In July 2026, Indonesia signed a contract for the purchase of 12 aircraft designated as M-346F Block 20, which, as can be understood, is a rebranding modification of the M-346FA.
One of the three first received by the Nigerian Air Force Leonardo M-346FA Master combat training aircraft at the enterprise of the aviation division of the Italian Leonardo company in Venegono Superior, 07/27/2026 (c) Nigerian Air Force
The third Leonardo M-346FA Master combat training aircraft built for the Nigerian Air Force (Nigerian tail number NAF-03, Italian number CSX55290) during flight tests at the aircraft division of the Italian Leonardo company in Venegono Superior, 04/27/2026 (c) Tiziano Capenti / @aplace2land
