Nigeria has acquired 12 pre-owned Alpha jets from the French Air Force.
Olusegun Dada, the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, announced that the jets were purchased through SOFEMA, a French military and aerospace company.
“All the 12 aircraft are ready for shipping,” Dada posted on X on Thursday, December 5.
“As of 2023, the Nigerian Air Force has 11 Alpha Jets in service.”
The Alpha jet, developed through a partnership between France and Germany, is a versatile military aircraft designed primarily for light attack and advanced training purposes.
Capable of carrying various weapons, including bombs, rockets, and missiles, the Alpha jet also features a gun pod for close air support missions.
Olusegun Dada, the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, added that the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, is also expecting 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft, which were ordered by the previous administration under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
These aircraft are scheduled to arrive in early 2025.
Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, COAS, stated that NAF has experienced a significant transformation, marked by the renewal of its aircraft fleet and increased operational readiness, thanks to President Tinubu’s support.
This announcement of the French aircraft acquisition follows President Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France, which took place from November 27 to November 30, 2024, at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.
In October, Abubakar also mentioned that Nigeria is expecting 24 Leonardo M-346FA aircraft from Italy, with six units already in production. The first three aircraft are expected to be delivered in early 2025, with the full delivery scheduled for 2026.
Abubakar highlighted the importance of establishing a maintenance hub in Nigeria to ensure long-term support for these aircraft.
President Tinubu has consistently pledged to support the armed forces in their efforts to combat insecurity in the country.
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