Nigeria has acquired 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force, marking a significant boost to its military aviation capabilities. Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on social media, announced the acquisition through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company, stating that all 12 aircraft are ready for shipping. The Alpha Jet, developed jointly by France and Germany, is a versatile military aircraft designed for light attack missions and advanced training. It is equipped to carry an array of weapons, including bombs, rockets, and missiles, and features a gun pod for close air support missions. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) currently operates 11 Alpha Jets as of 2023, underscoring the strategic importance of this addition to its fleet.
Dada also highlighted the expected delivery of 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft ordered during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. These aircraft are set to begin arriving early next year, with six units already in production. The initial batch of three is scheduled for delivery in early 2025, with the full order to be completed by 2026. Chief of Air Staff (COAS) Hasan Abubakar has praised the renewal of NAF’s fleet and its enhanced operational readiness under Tinubu’s administration. He also emphasized the need to establish a maintenance hub in Nigeria to ensure the long-term sustainability of these assets.
The announcement follows President Tinubu’s recent state visit to France, which took place from November 27 to November 30 at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. The president departed France on December 1, further cementing ties between the two nations.
