Nigeria is acquiring 24 M-346FA jets, a light fighter variant of the M-346 trainer, as part of its air force modernization.
For the first time, the Nigerian Air Force livery has been fully applied to the M-346FA bound for Nigeria. Currently flying as provisional Italian serial CSX55290, the aircraft is the third aircraft built for the African country and first flew earlier this month.
Aerial photographer Tiziano Capenti captured the aircraft returning from a test flight on April 27, 2026 and was kind enough to share it with us. The M-346 sports an overall gray color scheme, with the nose radome and vertical tail fin tops painted black.
The livery is completed by the circular emblem of the Nigerian Air Force below the cockpit and on the wings and the Nigerian flag on the tail. This appears to be the only aircraft with Nigerian insignia, as a second M-346FA, CSX55284, is currently flying wearing only gray livery.
Nigeria M-346FA
Nigeria signed a contract to purchase 24 M-346A aircraft in November 2023, but this was not confirmed until 2024, after Nigeria’s president confirmed interest in the aircraft several months earlier. The country has also procured ten new AW109 Trekker helicopters to join the two already in service.
The contract is worth approximately 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion) and includes training systems, ground support equipment, spare parts, munitions and long-term logistics support. According to the report, program offices and maintenance hubs were to be established in the country with support from Leonardo over the past 25 years.
The M-346s are divided into four different batches, each containing six aircraft. The first aircraft was already being built when the Chief of Staff of the Nigerian Air Force visited Leonardo’s facility in Benegono in 2024.
It was initially reported that the first aircraft would be delivered by 2025. It is unclear when the M-346 will be delivered to Nigeria, but it is likely that the first three aircraft will be delivered this year once all receive their final livery.
The procurement of new aircraft is part of the modernization of the Nigerian Air Force, which has resulted in the acquisition of a number of new assets. In addition to training, the M-346FA is expected to be used for close air support (CAS) and counter-insurgency (COIN) operations against insurgents in the region.
Interestingly, this is not the first Italian jet that Nigeria has purchased. In fact, Korea also operates the MB-339, purchased in the 1980s.
M-346FA
The M-346 Master will celebrate 20 years since its first flight in 2024. Considered by many to be the most advanced jet trainer currently available, the aircraft introduces many new technologies to improve the training of future fourth- and fifth-generation fighter pilots, including cutting-edge ground-based training systems and Live Virtual and Constructive (LVC) technology.
In addition to the training variants, Leonardo developed a combat-capable version of the aircraft called the M-346 FA (Fighter Attack), also known as the Light Fighter Family of Aircraft (LFFA). The most notable differences from the standard AJT configuration are two wingtip missile rails, a new antenna, and the Defense Support Subsystem (DASS), which increases the total hardpoints to seven.
The M-346FA variant is designed to retain the full dual-role capabilities of the AJT version already in service with the Italian, Israeli, Polish and Singapore air forces, while also incorporating several new features such as tactical data link, Grifo-346 mechanical scanning, multi-mode radar, new secure radio and IFF system (identification of enemy or adversary).
Proposed for homeland defense/air security, slow maneuver interception, close air support (CAS), counterinsurgency (COIN), forward air controller – airlift (FAC-A), combat search and rescue (CSAR), interdiction, battlefield air interdiction (BAI), tactical air support for maritime operations (TASMO) and tactical reconnaissance roles, the aircraft can carry more than 2,000 kg of weapons.
Thanks again to Tiziano Capenti for sending the photos. Follow him on InstagramFind out more on Facebook or Twitter @aplace2land!
