Nigeria acquires 12 pre-owned alpha jets from French Air Force

Nigeria has procured 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force, according to Olusegun Dada, special assistant to President Bola Tinubu on social media. The jets were acquired through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company.

“All the 12 aircraft are ready for shipping,” Dada posted on X on Thursday, adding, “As of 2023, the Nigerian Air Force has 11 Alpha Jets in service.”

Developed through a Franco-German collaboration, the Alpha Jet is a versatile military aircraft designed for light attack missions and advanced training. It can carry a variety of weapons, including bombs, rockets, and missiles, and is equipped with a gun pod for close air support.

Dada also noted that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is expecting the arrival of 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft ordered during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. These aircraft are expected to be delivered early next year.

Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff (COAS), praised the ongoing renewal of the NAF’s aircraft fleet and the enhanced operational readiness achieved under President Tinubu’s administration. “This remarkable turnaround is evident with the president’s support,” Abubakar said.

The announcement of the Alpha Jets acquisition closely follows President Tinubu’s state visit to France from November 27 to November 30 at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. The president departed France on December 1.

In October, Abubakar disclosed that Nigeria expects 24 Leonardo M-346FA aircraft from Italy, with six already in production. The initial batch of three units is set for delivery in early 2025, with the entire fleet scheduled to arrive by 2026. Abubakar stressed the importance of establishing a maintenance hub in Nigeria to ensure long-term support for the new aircraft.