Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has conducted a strategic inspection of the ongoing production of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft and helicopters at Leonardo S.p.A’s advanced defence manufacturing facilities in Northern Italy. The visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its aerial combat capabilities and modernizing its military assets.
Minister Badaru expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of production, emphasizing that the acquisition aligns with Nigeria’s strategic defence objectives. “These platforms will significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force and contribute to national security,” he stated.
The inspection also included briefings on armament integration, pilot training modules, and maintenance support systems. The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s partnership with Leonardo S.p.A and praised the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology tailored to Nigeria’s defence needs.