The Nigerian government is set to purchase a minimum of 24 fighter jets from Italy’s Leonardo to enhance the country’s air force.
This was made known by the Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet stating that the aircraft will be delivered in four batches of six jets each.
Additionally, Gabkwet stated in his statement that Africa’s most populous nation would receive the initial six M-346 fighter aircraft before the year’s end.
The news came after Claudio Sabatino, Leonardo’s vice president, visited Nigeria’s air force chief in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to the air force statement, Leonardo will offer a minimum of 25 years of maintenance support.
Nigeria aims to enhance its capability to combat insurgency, particularly in the northeast, where Boko Haram militants and the Islamic State regional affiliate operate. Additionally, kidnapping and banditry are prevalent across the country.