Nigeria is intensifying efforts to modernise its air capabilities as it seeks to narrow the gap with North African military powers Egypt and Algeria.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed it is accelerating the acquisition of more than 46 advanced aircraft, including fighter jets, attack helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.
The procurement plan, initially announced in July 2025, comes amid growing defence investments across Africa as countries respond to rising regional security pressures.
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The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, disclosed that the expansion will feature 24 M-346 fighter ground attack aircraft, 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters.
He explained that the move forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen operational effectiveness across Nigeria’s various security theatres.
The latest update follows the NAF’s earlier announcement at the Aircraft Engineering Conference in Abuja on July 17, 2025, where officials revealed plans to add 49 aircraft to the fleet by the end of 2026.
The initiative is aimed at enhancing air power in the fight against insurgency and other internal security threats.
Aneke said engagements with defence partners in the United States, Italy and Türkiye are progressing steadily, expressing confidence that deliveries will align with the projected timeline.
He also lauded President Bola Tinubu for supporting national security efforts, particularly through bilateral cooperation with Türkiye on defence equipment procurement.
Nigeria’s push mirrors similar fleet expansions in Egypt and Algeria, both of which have significantly strengthened their air forces in recent years.
Egypt operates one of the largest military aviation fleets in Africa, while Algeria continues to invest heavily in advanced fighter jets and air defence systems.
Although Nigeria ranks among the leading air forces in sub-Saharan Africa, its fleet size and defence spending remain significantly lower than those of the North African powers.
Unlike Egypt and Algeria, whose forces are structured for conventional deterrence and regional projection, Nigeria’s air force has historically focused on counter-insurgency, anti-banditry operations and internal security missions.
Defence analysts note that the acquisition of M-346 jets, widely used for advanced training and light combat operations, signals a strategic shift toward improving strike precision and pilot development rather than directly matching the scale of Egypt and Algeria’s fleets.
Beyond aircraft procurement, the Air Force is also investing in infrastructure and personnel development.
Aneke recently commissioned new student pilot accommodation at the NAF Base in Kaduna, describing the facilities as critical to building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force.
Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede has urged troops in Bayelsa State to maintain professionalism while protecting oil and gas infrastructure, underscoring the economic stakes tied to national security.
While analysts caution that aircraft acquisitions alone do not guarantee air superiority, highlighting the importance of maintenance, logistics and pilot readiness,the expected deliveries in 2026 would mark one of West Africa’s most significant air force expansions in recent years, even as the gap with Egypt and Algeria remains considerable.
