The Nigerian Government has approved the acquisition of 24 M-346 multirole aircraft for its Air Force, paving the way for the replacement of Alpha Jets as frontline fighters.
The exact variant of the M-346 ordered by Nigeria is still unclear. It could be be it the basic version M-346FT (Fighter Trainer) or the variant M-346FA variant (Fighter Attack). The deal is valued at an estimated €1.2 billion and will see Italian jets replacing the former Dassault Alpha Jet A/E jets in use by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
M-346FA
The M-346FA version is is the evolution of the M-346 Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) to meet, with a high performance platform, an increased wide range of customer operational needs. The M-346FA is a radar equipped multirole light fighter and represents a highly cost-effective, tactical solution for the modern battlefield.
M-346FT
The twin-engine, tandem-seat M-346 has four channel Fly-By-Wire Flight Control System, redundant main systems, state-of-the-art avionics with latest human-machine interface with Multi-Function Displays (MFD), Head-Up Displays (HUD), Hands On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS) controls, in-flight safety features like PARS (Pilot Activated Attitude Recovery System). An APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) provides autonomous operations.