The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) chief has announced the acquisition of 12 second-hand Alpha Jet E aircraft from the French Air and Space Force.
On 4 December 2024, General Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), announced the acquisition of 12 second-hand Alpha Jet E aircraft from the French Air and Space Force.
Initially utilised for training purposes, France has substituted the Alpha Jet with the PC-21 Pilatus, resulting in surplus aircraft now available for sale. The 12 aircraft will be restored by the French company SOFEMA. Six Alpha Jets will become operational, while the other six will be utilised for spare parts.
The NAF has used co-manufactured by Dassault Aviation and Dornier Flugzeugwerke Alpha Jets since the 1980s for pilot training and close air support missions against insurgents and militants. Currently, only eight of the 24 jets that were initially acquired are still in service. Some 15 aircraft were lost due to combat or accidents throughout the years.
