On December 4, 2024, Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff, General Hasan Abubakar, announced the acquisition of twelve second-hand Alpha Jet E aircraft from the French Air and Space Force (Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace).
This deal marks a significant step forward for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as it seeks to bolster its operational capabilities, particularly in counter-insurgency operations.
The acquisition, which forms part of broader defense cooperation between Nigeria and France, includes refurbishing six of the aircraft to restore them to operational status.
The remaining six jets will be used for spare parts, helping to sustain the NAF’s current fleet of Alpha Jets.
The refurbishing work will be carried out by SOFEMA (Société française d’exportation de matériel militaire et aéronautique), a French company specializing in the maintenance and renovation of military equipment.
The purchase coincides with the state visit of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to France, his first such visit since taking office. This high-profile diplomatic visit has highlighted the growing defense ties between the two nations.
The acquisition is seen as a reflection of the increasing bilateral cooperation in various sectors, especially defense, following a 2016 defense cooperation agreement that focused on intelligence sharing, joint training, and operational coordination.
The Alpha Jet E aircraft, originally designed for training purposes, have been phased out by the French Air Force in favor of the more advanced PC-21 Pilatus trainer aircraft.
As a result, these surplus jets have become available for sale to interested buyers, with Nigeria being one of the beneficiaries.
The aircraft were previously used by France for training pilots and conducting close air support missions, a role they have also fulfilled within the NAF since the 1980s.
Historically, the NAF has relied heavily on the Alpha Jet for pilot training and combat operations, especially in the fight against insurgents and militant groups in the northern and southeastern parts of Nigeria.
Out of the 24 Alpha Jets originally purchased by Nigeria, only eight remain in service due to combat losses, accidents, and other operational challenges. In 2015, Nigeria purchased five additional Alpha Jets from the United States, one of which was lost in a crash.
This latest acquisition is expected to significantly enhance the NAF’s operational readiness. The refurbished jets will provide crucial support for Nigeria’s ongoing counter-insurgency efforts, improving the country’s ability to conduct air strikes and reconnaissance missions in areas affected by terrorism and militant violence.
It will also help address the NAF’s longstanding challenges with outdated and insufficient equipment. The growing defense relationship between France and Nigeria is a clear indication of the increasing importance of military partnerships in the West African region.
France, long a key player in regional security, has been instrumental in supporting Nigeria’s defense forces, particularly in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorist organizations. This deal underscores France’s role as a strategic partner in Nigeria’s broader security framework, especially in the fight against insurgency.
With the refurbished Alpha Jets expected to enter service in the near future, Nigeria is poised to strengthen its air support capabilities. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to modernize its military equipment and enhance its ability to safeguard national security against internal threats.
