Nigeria TV Info — Defense Minister Inspects Ongoing Production of Nigerian Air Force Aircraft, Helicopters in Italy

Abuja, Nigeria — The Minister of Defense, Mohammed Badaru, has inspected the ongoing production of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft and helicopters at Leonardo SpA’s defence manufacturing facilities in northern Italy.

Badaru, who was part of President Bola Tinubu’s delegation to the AQABA Process meeting, visited Leonardo’s Helicopters Division in Vergiate and the Aircraft Division in Venegono, where key platforms for the Nigerian Air Force are currently being assembled.

According to a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Minister’s Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mati Ali, the Defense Minister reviewed progress on ten AW109 Trekker attack helicopters being built for Nigeria.

The statement revealed that three helicopters have been completed and are ready for delivery, another three will be ready before the end of 2025, while the remaining four are expected in early 2026.

In addition, Badaru inspected the ongoing production of M-346 Fighter Attack Jets, six of which are already at advanced stages of completion. Three of the jets are currently undergoing flight tests, while the next three are scheduled for testing soon.

“The 24 aircraft will be delivered in four batches, complete with weapons, tools, spare parts, and logistics support,” the statement added.

Minister Badaru expressed satisfaction with the quality of work at Leonardo’s facilities, commending the company’s engineers for their professionalism and technical excellence in meeting delivery timelines and quality standards.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force in order to enhance national security and sustain military effectiveness across all theatres of operation.

Nigeria TV Info