The Nigerian government has procured 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force to strengthen the country’s military capabilities.
Olusegun Dada, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s special assistant on social media, confirmed on Thursday that the jets, acquired through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company, are ready for shipping.
“All the 12 aircraft are ready for shipping,” Dada announced on X, adding that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) currently operates 11 Alpha Jets.
The Alpha Jet, a collaborative development by France and Germany, is a versatile light attack aircraft and advanced trainer. It can carry various weapons, including bombs, rockets, and missiles, and features a gun pod for close air support missions.
In addition to the Alpha Jets, Dada revealed that the NAF is expecting the delivery of 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft, ordered by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, early next year.
Chief of Air Staff (COAS) Hasan Abubakar praised the progress in NAF’s fleet renewal under Tinubu’s administration, noting an improvement in operational readiness.
The announcement comes shortly after President Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. Tinubu, who departed France on December 1, has repeatedly pledged to support Nigeria’s armed forces in combating insecurity.
In October, Abubakar also disclosed that Nigeria had ordered 24 Leonardo M-346FA aircraft from Italy, with six units currently in production. The initial batch of three aircraft is expected to arrive in early 2025, with final deliveries scheduled for 2026.
Abubakar stressed the importance of establishing a maintenance hub in Nigeria to ensure the long-term support and sustainability of the growing fleet.
These acquisitions underscore Tinubu’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges by equipping the armed forces with modern and capable resources
