REVEALED: Crashed NAF aircraft spent nearly three years grounded in Germany

The Nigerian Air Force aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed near Igbokoda Naval Base in Ondo State on Monday, had spent almost three years grounded in Germany for maintenance, according to SaharaReporters.

The 16-year-old ATR-42-500MP Maritime Patrol aircraft was delivered to Nigeria in March 2010 under a $73 million contract signed with Alenia Aeronautica, now Leonardo of Italy, for two aircraft.

SaharaReporters reported that NAF 931 was flown to Rheinland Air Service in Monchengladbach, Germany, in January 2022 for Periodic Depot Maintenance after its sister aircraft underwent similar maintenance.

Photographs from June 2022 showed the aircraft parked outside the facility with its right engine removed.

It reportedly remained there until late December 2024, when it returned to Nigeria.

Although the Air Force did not disclose the maintenance cost, aviation industry estimates suggested that the prolonged 35-month stay could have cost between $4.5 million and $7 million.

The aircraft was equipped with surveillance systems, search radar and electro-optical sensors for maritime patrol operations.