Nigeria Acquires 12 Pre-Owned Alpha Jets From France

Nigeria Acquires 12 Pre-Owned Alpha Jets From France

By Toyibat AjoseDecember 6, 2024

Nigeria purchased 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force.

Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, said that the jets were purchased through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics corporation.

“All 12 aircraft are ready for shipping,” Dada wrote on X Thursday.

“As of 2023, the Nigerian Air Force has 11 Alpha Jets in service.”

The Alpha Jet, created through a collaboration between France and Germany, is a multipurpose military aircraft intended primarily as a light attack jet and advanced trainer. The aircraft may carry a variety of weaponry, such as bombs, rockets, and missiles. It is also outfitted with a gun pod for close air support operations.

Dada further stated that the Nigerian Air Force is expecting the delivery of 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft, which were ordered by the previous administration of former President Muhammad Buhari. These planes are slated to arrive in early next year.

Hasan Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff (COAS), noted that with President Tinubu’s assistance, the Nigerian Air Force has witnessed major advances, including the renewal of its aircraft fleet and increased operational preparedness.

The announcement of the French aircraft procurement comes shortly after President Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France, which lasted from November 27 to November 30, with the president departing on December 1. The visit occurred at President Emmanuel Macron’s invitation.

Meanwhile, in October, Abubakar stated that Nigeria was anticipating 24 Leonardo M-346FA aircraft from Italy, with six already in production. The first batch of three aircraft is slated to arrive in early 2025, with the final delivery scheduled for 2026.

Abubakar emphasised the importance of establishing a repair facility in Nigeria to assure the aircraft’s long-term availability.

President Tinubu has consistently promised his support for the military services’ efforts to confront instability.