Nigeria has procured 12 pre-owned alpha jets from the French Air Force.
Olusegun Dada, special assistant to President Bola Tinubu on social media, said the jets were acquired through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company.
“All the 12 aircraft are ready for shipping,” Dada posted on X on Thursday.
“As of 2023, the Nigerian Air Force has 11 Alpha Jets in service.”
Developed through a collaboration between France and Germany, the alpha jet is a versatile military aircraft designed primarily as a light attack jet and advanced trainer.
The aircraft is capable of carrying a variety of weapons, including bombs, rockets, and missiles. It is also equipped with a gun pod that can be used for close air support missions.
Dada added that the Nigerian Air Force is also expecting the arrival of 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft ordered by the past administration under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The president’s media aide said the aircraft will arrive early next year.
Hasan Abubakar, the chief of air staff (COAS), said NAF has witnessed a remarkable turnaround, evident in the renewal of its aircraft fleet and enhanced operational readiness with Tinubu’s support.
The announcement of the French aircraft purchases comes days after Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France from November 27 to November 30. The president departed on December 1.
The visit was at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.
Meanwhile, in October, Abubakar said Nigeria expected 24 Leonardo M-346FA aircraft from Italy, with six units already in production.
The air chief said the initial batch of three aircraft is expected to be handed over in early 2025, with total delivery scheduled for 2026.
Abubakar emphasised the necessity of establishing a maintenance hub in Nigeria to ensure long-term support for the aircraft.
Tinubu has repeatedly pledged to support the armed forces in their fight against insecurity.
[TheCable]