Buhari Orders 24 New Fighter Jets From Italy, For 1.2 Billion Euros
•Italian Air Force will train pilots of the Nigerian Air Force at the International Flight Training School
By Naomisophy blog
The federal government of Nigeria has ordered the procurement of 24 M-346 Alenia Aermacchi Master fighter jets from Italian aircraft maker, Leonardo.
The attack aircraft are worth an estimated €1.2 billion and would see the Italian jets replacing the aging Dassault Alpha Jet A/E in use by the Nigerian Air Force.
Leonardo will provide aircraft, training, support and ammunition to Nigeria as a part of a sole source.
As a partnership, the Italian Air Force will train pilots of the Nigerian Air Force at the International Flight Training School in Galatina (Lecce) and the Decimomannu Air Base (Sardinia) in Italy.
The US government in April approved the sale of the Bell AH-1Z Viper advanced attack helicopter fornearly $1 billion.
The State Department has announced approval of the sale of 24 Bell AH-1Z Viper helicopters and related equipment valued at $997 million to Nigeria.
Related equipment includes guidance, night vision and targeting systems as well as engines and training aids, the ministry said in a notice to Congress.
Meanwhile, military authorities over the weekend said no Nigerian territory is under the control of aterrorist group, Boko Haram or any other group for that matter.
He said military fire is hitting the insurgents hard and forcing the terrorists into forests and other unmanaged spaces, including the Lake Chad area.
