Could Nigeria's decision to aquire 24 M346FA attack jets be to replace the Alpha Jet as the frontline aviation (work horse) of the Nigerian Air Force? From a cost effective tactical solution standpoint it makes perfect sense. 
For decades the Alpha jet was the work horse of the NAF. we had them in numbers than any other fixed wing airframe in our inventory. They were easy to operate and maintain.
So if the NAF is phasing out the Alpha jets
So if the NAF is phasing out the Alpha jets
..we all assumed the high performance JF-17 Thunder
will take up that role. But we gonna need so many of them. Besides, why stress the airframe of arguably our best anti-ship weapon missile carrying platform and strategic air defence for low intensity conflict?
will take up that role. But we gonna need so many of them. Besides, why stress the airframe of arguably our best anti-ship weapon missile carrying platform and strategic air defence for low intensity conflict?
Certainly cant be the Super Tucano, which is a specialized aircrafts optimized for COIN, and we have only 12 of them.
Then the NAF makes a surprise announcement of a deal for 24 M346FA's from Italy's Leonardo.
..thats two complete Squadrons. Their armament profile suggests dual role functionality. Four LGB (500Ib) bombs. Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), Rocket Launchers, MK.82 General Purpose
Bomb...probably of the 500IB calibre as well..who knows. MK.82HD Snakeye. Target Designator Pod.
So we have a multi-role platform that can be deployed in ground attack, CAS, COIN, interdiction with precision guided munitions,
air to air combat/ air superiority with sidewinder missiles, air police mission, air to ground attack
There is no way this was an after-thought. The M346FA will be the work horse of the NAF to the end of the decade.
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