Nigeria Expands Fighter Fleet with M-346, Considers Tejas Mk1A as JF-17 Role Diminishes

Nigeria's Air Force is gearing up for a major expansion with the imminent arrival of the first six Italian-made M-346FA light fighter-trainer aircraft. This marks the initial phase of a larger procurement of 24 M-346FAs, which will significantly bolster Nigeria's air support, air interdiction, tactical reconnaissance, and advanced pilot training capabilities.

Manufactured by Leonardo, the M-346FA is a multi-role aircraft originally designed as an advanced jet trainer and subsequently configured for combat missions. Nigeria's order will be delivered in four batches of six planes, supported by a comprehensive 25-year logistical support package ensuring long-term operational effectiveness. This phased approach enables the simultaneous development of pilot training and infrastructure alongside aircraft deliveries.

Nigerian officials have stated that the M-346 acquisition does not signal a replacement of the existing JF-17 fighter fleet. They clarified that only three JF-17s are currently operational, highlighting the need for additional combat aircraft. Discussions with China regarding the JF-17 program reportedly remain ongoing.

Importantly, Nigeria has expressed interest in diversifying its fighter jet fleet. It is currently in talks with India for potential procurement of the indigenously developed LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter, demonstrating a commitment to multi-faceted air force modernization.

The arrival of the M-346s is a major milestone for the Nigerian Air Force. Leonardo's partnership holds the potential to extend beyond mere acquisition, with Nigeria potentially becoming a regional hub for M-346 maintenance services. Before Nigeria, Turkmenistan became the first nation to order the M-346FA variant, with confirmed deliveries and sightings of the aircraft in Turkmen colors.

The M-346FA's versatility is highlighted by its seven external hardpoints, allowing for the integration of air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions, as well as targeting pods. Leonardo has successfully integrated Nexter's 20mm 20M621 gun pod on the aircraft, offering improved range and precision. The company boasts a strong track record with the M-346 platform, having sold 126 units to various international customers.

Nigeria's air power expansion is driven by its ongoing fight against insurgency, with the Air Force regularly deploying combat aircraft against groups like Boko Haram and IS affiliates. The country currently operates diverse aircraft, including the JF-17, F-7Ni, A-29 Super Tucanos, and Alpha Jets. As Nigeria's most advanced fighter, the JF-17 has been deployed in counter-terrorism and anti-insurgency operations.

Despite initial plans to acquire more JF-17s, subsequent budget allocations did not include additional orders. This shift, combined with the procurement of the M-346FA, has led to speculation about potential challenges Nigeria may be facing with its JF-17 fleet. Similar concerns were raised by Myanmar, the JF-17's first customer, which cited technical issues affecting its own fleet.

Meanwhile, Nigeria seeks to replace its aging Chengdu F-7NI fleet with an estimated 15 new fighter jets. India has offered its indigenous Tejas fighter, with diplomatic overtures made during a recent visit by the Indian Minister of External Affairs.

The procurement of the M-346FA aircraft, coupled with ongoing discussions with India, illustrates Nigeria's determination to build a robust and modernized air force. This commitment aims to bolster the nation's capabilities in countering ongoing security threats and ensure long-term national security.

 

[Pink Panther]

There was news today saying that Nigeria rejected Tejas like Argentina.

 

[Anant]

There was news today saying that Nigeria rejected Tejas like Argentina.

That news is nonsense. The Nigerians had made the order for the 24 M-346 jets way back in 2021. It is only now that deliveries are starting.

The Nigerian Air Force has stated a technical requirement for 5 units (essentially squadrons) of fighters, which comes to 50 jets plus 10 spares in their case. These spares are also often used as conversion trainers.

Presently, the Nigerian Air Force has 1 squadron (10 + 2 spares) of EMB314 counter-insurgency fighters, 1 squadron of multirole fighters (comprising 3 JF-17s and 7 F-7s + 2 spare F-7), and almost 1 squadron of Alpha Jet LCAs (10+1 units). Of these, the F-7s and Alpha Jets are nearing retirement. Essentially, Nigeria needs 24 jets for the two new squadrons plus 12 jets for the replacement squadron of the Alpha Jets plus 9 jets for the F-7 replacements.

The M-346 was ordered with the idea of forming two entire squadrons as well as allowing for the retirement of Nigeria's 40-year old MB-339 trainers. That still leaves space for 21 more jets to be procured, which is what Nigeria is looking for now. That is the order for which the Tejas and JF-17 are competing.

 

[Sandeep]

Although Nigeria didn't want to embarrass China it was obvious that they hated the junk fighter as it's been grounded for years. The Chinese technology was unreliable, problematic, had inferior capabilities and didn't work as advertised along with having a lot of hardware failure. The jets metal composition had a poor quality, long grounded and maintenance time, expensive spares and inconsistent in delivering them, poor service given, poor air frame structure and failure on it's critical equipment like radar, EW, engines and weapons problem.

Nigeria will order more M346 as they see it as a reliable, cheap and having much better technology along with weapons capability. If they still want a more advanced jet other than a armed trainer like the M346 then they definitely won't pick the junk fighter so India still has the opportunity to get some orders. India will have to mount a more aggressive advertising campaign along with junking the junk fighter on every capability and technology possible and fight dirty against China.