By Defence Circle/Image: Leonardo
Italian delegation and Leonardo to attend Lagos exhibition as Nigeria advances delivery of AW109 Trekker helicopters and M-346 fighter-attack aircraft
Italy is set to strengthen its defence engagement with Nigeria through the participation of an official Italian delegation and aerospace company Leonardo at the inaugural Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026, taking place in Lagos from 26 to 29 October.
Leonardo has confirmed its participation as an exhibitor and sponsor, with the Italian presence coming as Nigeria advances several major aircraft acquisition programmes involving the company. These initiatives include helicopter deliveries, preparations for the introduction of new fighter-attack aircraft and arrangements for training, maintenance and long-term fleet support.
On 15 September 2026, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) received three Leonardo AW109 Trekker B helicopters in Lagos. The aircraft form part of an acquisition of 10 helicopters, with the remaining seven expected to be delivered before the end of the year, according to the Nigerian Air Force.
The helicopter programme is running alongside Nigeria’s acquisition of 24 M-346 aircraft from Leonardo. Combined, the two programmes represent 34 aircraft being acquired by the Nigerian Air Force, highlighting the growing aerospace relationship between Nigeria and the Italian defence industry.
Progress on the M-346 programme was marked between 29 June and 9 July 2026, when the first three fighter-attack aircraft, designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03, completed Factory Acceptance Testing at Leonardo’s facility in Venegono, Italy. According to the programme information, the aircraft met the required contractual, technical and airworthiness standards, clearing them for delivery to Nigeria.
Beyond the delivery of aircraft, the programme includes measures intended to establish the training, technical and logistical support needed to sustain operations over the long term. During the acceptance process, Nigerian officials held discussions with Leonardo on pilot training, maintenance training, logistics support and fleet sustainment. Simulator systems and ground-based training are also intended to strengthen the Nigerian Air Force’s operational and technical capabilities.
The Nigerian Air Force has previously indicated that maintenance support arrangements for the M-346 fleet will extend for a minimum of 25 years. NAF leadership has also proposed establishing a Leonardo maintenance hub in Nigeria, which could contribute to the development of local technical expertise and in-country aircraft support capabilities.
Leonardo’s relationship with Nigeria predates these current acquisition programmes. Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has highlighted the company’s longstanding collaboration with Nigeria’s defence sector, while the two countries have maintained formal military-to-military engagement through bilateral staff talks and other institutional initiatives.
The participation of Italy’s official delegation and Leonardo at AFRIDEX therefore comes at a time when bilateral defence cooperation is progressing from procurement towards aircraft induction, personnel training, technical support and long-term sustainment. The exhibition will provide an opportunity for government representatives, military leaders and industry stakeholders to engage on these areas and explore further avenues for cooperation.
Odiri Umusu, Portfolio Director for the Africa International Defence Exhibition, said Italy’s participation comes at a significant point in the defence relationship between the two countries.
“Italy’s participation at AFRIDEX comes at a particularly relevant point in the defence relationship between Italy and Nigeria. Nigeria is progressing through delivery, training and sustainment milestones across major Leonardo aircraft programmes, while the presence of an Official Delegation from Italy creates an important opportunity for wider government-to-government and industry engagement,” Umusu said.
He added that AFRIDEX was established to support structured defence and security cooperation, focusing on capability requirements, training, long-term readiness, technical capacity, industrial support and government-industry dialogue.
“We are pleased to welcome the Official Delegation from Italy and Leonardo to Lagos and to provide a platform for engagement with defence and security stakeholders from Nigeria, across Africa and international partner markets,” he said.
AFRIDEX 2026 will take place from 26 to 29 October at Eko Atlantic in Lagos. The exhibition is expected to bring together senior military leaders, government representatives, capability planners and defence and security organisations across the land, maritime, air, cyber and space domains.
Hosted by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) under the patronage of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the exhibition aims to facilitate cooperation between governments, armed forces and industry. Its focus includes capability development, protection, resilience, operational readiness and the expansion of long-term industrial capacity.
Italy’s participation, alongside Leonardo’s exhibition and sponsorship presence, will place the current aircraft programmes within a broader defence and industrial engagement framework. With AW109 Trekker B helicopters already delivered and the first M-346 aircraft having completed factory acceptance testing, the relationship encompasses not only the acquisition of aircraft but also the training, maintenance and support arrangements required to sustain them throughout their service lives.
AFRIDEX 2026 will provide a platform for Nigeria, Italy and international defence stakeholders to discuss these developments and consider opportunities for further cooperation in aerospace, defence technology and industrial support.