ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Army has unveiled its first indigenously developed unmanned combat drone, marking a significant step towards self-reliance in military technology.
The drone, developed in collaboration with a Nigerian drone manufacturing firm, was officially launched this week in Abuja.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, hailed the innovation as a strategic milestone in modernizing Nigeria’s military capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign military hardware.
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General Musa emphasized the need for technological sovereignty, stating that reliance on foreign suppliers can leave a country vulnerable to political pressures.
The drone is expected to improve real-time surveillance and strike capabilities, enabling faster responses to emerging threats. It is also intended to reduce reliance on international defence partners, particularly in light of past restrictions on arms sales to Nigeria over alleged human rights concerns.
This local innovation is part of a broader strategy to equip the military with modern tools that are both affordable and adaptable to Nigeria’s specific security landscape.
In addition to pursuing local innovation, Nigeria has also been expanding military partnerships. In 2023, the country acquired two T129 ATAK combat helicopters from Türkiye as part of efforts to combat insurgency and banditry. A potential $2 billion defence agreement with Türkiye is also reportedly under discussion.
Nigeria’s development of a domestic combat drone capability reflects a growing trend among African countries to seek greater self-reliance in defence matters.
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