Nigeria has secured 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force, as revealed by Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant on Social Media to President Bola Tinubu. The jets were acquired through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company.
“All 12 aircraft are ready for shipping,” Dada announced on X, noting that as of 2023, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has 11 Alpha Jets in service.
The Alpha Jet, a product of Franco-German collaboration, is a versatile military aircraft designed for light attack missions and advanced training. It can carry an array of weapons, including bombs, rockets, and missiles, and features a gun pod for close air support.
Dada also highlighted the anticipated arrival of 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft ordered during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, with delivery expected early next year.
Chief of Air Staff Hasan Abubakar commended the renewal of the NAF fleet under President Tinubu’s leadership, emphasising enhanced operational readiness. “This remarkable progress is a testament to the president’s support,” Abubakar stated.
The announcement follows President Tinubu’s state visit to France from November 27 to 30 at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. Tinubu departed France on December 1.
In October, Abubakar shared that Nigeria expects 24 Leonardo M-346FA aircraft from Italy, with six units currently in production. The first batch of three is slated for delivery in early 2025, with the full fleet arriving by 2026. He also stressed the importance of establishing a local maintenance hub to support the aircraft long-term.
