(Alliance News) - Nigeria is preparing to purchase six M-346 FA advanced training aircraft with operational capabilities from Leonardo.
As reported by Il Messaggero on Friday, a pool of banks led by UniCredit, Crédit Agricole, and Banco BPM is also finalizing a "SACE Buyer's Credit" of approximately EUR450 million for the Nigerian Ministry of Defense, divided into three tranches and 100% guaranteed by Sace. Repayment is scheduled until 2037.
The operation stems from the need to replace the obsolete Alpha Jets with more modern aircraft, which will also be useful in operations against Boko Haram. The financing covers an initial order of six M-346 FAs, in the "Fighter Attack" version, with both training and operational capabilities.
Leonardo will handle the integration of the weapon systems supplied by Nexter, Rafael, and Thales, although the contract does not include ammunition.
After two years of preparation and approval by the Nigerian government, the first SACE premium of EUR 8.9 million was paid on November 17, making the contract effective.
Production of the aircraft has begun, with deliveries scheduled to begin on October 17, 2026. The agreement also includes options for up to 24 aircraft in total.
By Giuseppe Fabio Ciccomascolo, Alliance News senior reporter
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