Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has carried out a detailed inspection of ongoing aircraft and helicopter production for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) at Leonardo S.p.A’s defence manufacturing facilities in northern Italy.
The tour, which took place during Badaru’s trip as part of President Bola Tinubu’s delegation to the AQABA Process meeting, included visits to Leonardo’s Helicopters Division in Vergiate and Aircraft Division in Venegono, where key assets for Nigeria’s air power are currently being assembled.
A statement released in Abuja by Mati Ali, the Minister’s media aide, confirmed that Badaru reviewed the status of ten AW109 Trekker attack helicopters currently under construction for the NAF.
> “Three of the helicopters are fully completed and ready for delivery,” Ali stated.
“Another three are expected by the end of 2025, while the remaining four will be ready in early 2026.”
The Defence Minister also inspected the assembly of M-346 Fighter Attack Jets, six of which are already in advanced stages of production. Three of those jets are currently undergoing flight testing, with the next three slated for test flights in the near future.
> “All 24 aircraft are to be delivered in four batches,” the statement added, “complete with weapons systems, tools, spare parts, and comprehensive logistics support.”
Speaking during the visit, Badaru commended Leonardo’s engineers for their high standards and professionalism. He said the inspection further reinforces Nigeria’s confidence in the ongoing partnership.
> “These acquisitions reflect President Tinubu’s dedication to equipping and modernising the Nigerian Armed Forces,” he noted.
“It’s also a signal of Nigeria’s strengthening defence ties with international partners.”
The equipment is part of a broader strategy by the current administration to boost national security through enhanced air power and operational readiness.
NAN
