BADARU INSPECTS PRODUCTION OF NAF HELICOPTERS AND FIGHTER JETS IN ITALY

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has inspected key defence production facilities of Leonardo S.p.A in Italy as part of a high-level delegation accompanying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on an official visit.

The visit focused on two strategic divisions, the Leonardo Helicopters Division in Vergiate and the Leonardo Aircraft Division in Venegono where advanced military aircraft are being assembled for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). These include the AW109 Trekker attack helicopters and the M-346 Fighter Attack Jets, both central to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to modernise its air fleet.

The Minister assessed the assembly progress of the ten AW109 Trekker helicopters ordered by Nigeria. He was informed that three units have been fully completed and are ready for delivery, while another three are expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The remaining four helicopters are scheduled for delivery in early 2026.

During his inspection of the Leonardo Aircraft Division, Badaru received briefings on the ongoing production of the M-346 Fighter Attack Jets. Six of the twenty-four aircraft ordered are at advanced stages of completion, with three already undergoing flight tests. The remaining three are expected to begin testing soon.

Expressing satisfaction with the progress, Badaru commended Leonardo’s engineers and management for their professionalism and technical excellence, noting that the timely delivery of the aircraft will significantly boost the NAF’s operational capacity.

The visit, according to the Minister, reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s defence architecture through strategic investments, international collaboration, and advanced military training.