Leonardo denies Nigerian M-346FA order
M-346FA light attack aircraft. (Photo: Leonardo)
The Nigerian Air Force has not ordered 24 light attack aircraft, says Leonardo.
Leonardo has denied media reports from Nigeria that the African country has ordered the M-346FA light attack aircraft.
The Sundiata Post online news portal reported on 7 May that Nigeria intends to replace its 13-strong fleet of Alpha Jet ground-attack aircraft with the M-346FAs in an estimated $1.2 billion deal.
However, Leonardo subsequently informed Shephard that no such order has been placed by Nigeria, although a company official added that the country is ‘looking with interest to the M-346’ and the platform has been chosen by Greece as part of a trainer aircraft deal with Israel.
On 13 July 2020, Leonardo announced that M-346FA successfully completed its maiden flight with deliveries to the first export customer to begin this year.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that Azerbaijan is buying an undisclosed number of M-346FAs and M-346 trainer aircraft. These aircraft are likely to replace MiG-29s, Su-25s and L-39s.
This article was amended on 12 May to reflect Leonardo’s denial of a firm order from Nigeria.
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