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Nigeria Acquires 12 Used Alpha Jets from France

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 6th, 2024.

Nigeria Acquires 12 Used Alpha Jets from France

Nigeria has secured 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 purchased through SOFEMA, a French aerospace and defense company, and are now ready for shipment.

Dada confirmed the acquisition on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, noting that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) currently operates 11 Alpha Jets, as of 2023.

The Alpha Jet, developed in collaboration between France and Germany, is a versatile military aircraft primarily used for light attack and advanced training purposes. It is capable of carrying a range of armaments, including bombs, missiles, and rockets, and is equipped with a gun pod for close air support missions.

In addition to the Alpha Jets, Dada highlighted that the Nigerian Air Force is also expecting the delivery of 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft, which were ordered during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. These aircraft are scheduled to arrive early next year.

Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff (COAS), commended President Tinubu’s support for the Air Force, citing significant progress in the modernization of its fleet and operational readiness. Abubakar noted that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Air Force has seen vital improvements, including the renewal of its aircraft fleet.

The acquisition of the Alpha Jets follows shortly after President Tinubu’s state visit to France from November 27 to 30, 2024, which was made at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

In October, Abubakar also mentioned that Nigeria was set to receive 24 Leonardo M-346FA aircraft from Italy, with the first batch of three expected in early 2025. The full delivery of these aircraft is projected to be completed by 2026. Abubakar further emphasized the need for a local repair facility in Nigeria to ensure the aircraft’s long-term maintenance and operational availability.

President Tinubu has consistently reiterated his commitment to supporting the military in its efforts to combat security challenges and enhance the country’s defense capabilities.