- MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
PRESS RELEASE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025
*MINISTER OF DEFENCE INSPECTS PRODUCTION OF NAF HELICOPTERS AND FIGHTER JETS IN ITALY*
As part of the high-level delegation accompanying His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on his official visit to Italy for the AQABA Process Meeting in Rome, the Honourable Minister of Defence, His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, today undertook a strategic inspection visit to key defence production facilities operated by Leonardo S.p.A in Northern Italy.
The Minister visited the Leonardo Helicopters Division in Vergiate, where the AW109 Trekker attack helicopters for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) are currently being assembled. He also proceeded to the Leonardo Aircraft Division in Venegono (VA), where production is ongoing for the M-346 Fighter Attack Jets, part of Nigeria’s recent procurement programme to enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
During the tour, the Honourable Minister inspected the assembly lines, observed flight test procedures, and engaged in technical briefings with senior Leonardo engineers and management. He expressed satisfaction with the pace of production and the quality of work being delivered.
According to Leonardo’s brief, six (6) of the twenty-four (24) M-346 Fighter Attack Jets are at advanced stages of production, with three already undergoing flight tests, and the remaining three expected to enter testing shortly. The full delivery is structured in four tranches of six aircraft each, complete with armaments, support equipment, tools, spare parts, and comprehensive training and logistics support services.
On the helicopter front, three (3) of the ten (10) AW109 Trekker attack helicopters being produced for the NAF are fully completed and ready for acceptance and delivery. An additional three are scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, while the remaining four are projected for early 2026.
The visit underscores the Tinubu Administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening national defence capabilities through strategic acquisitions, enhanced training, and international collaboration.
Mati Ali
PA (Media & Publicity) to the Honourable Minister
