Niger is set to strengthen its military capabilities with an imminent order for five Turkish-made Lentatek “Karayel-SU” drones and associated equipment, valued at $87.5 million. This move by the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) highlights Niger’s strategic partnership with Turkey in defense technology.
The Karayel-SU drones are a highly capable addition to Niger’s arsenal, boasting technical specifications similar to the Bayraktar TB2 drones already in use. The CNSP had initially considered purchasing additional TB2 drones but found the contract terms to be overpriced. The search for cost-effective alternatives led them to the Karayel-SU, which provides comparable capabilities at a more reasonable price.
The Vestel Karayel is a tactical-level Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) combat / non-combat Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) originating from Lentatek of Turkey. The aircraft is currently (2022) in active use with the armed forces of Turkey (where it originates) and Saudi Arabia (where it is marketed under the INTRA Defense Technologies, Ltd brand label).
Failed Attempts with UAE’s EDGE Group
In their quest for advanced drones, the CNSP also approached the UAE-based EDGE Group. However, the negotiations did not progress favorably. The EDGE Group, unwilling to sell to a government perceived as a putschist regime, presented a heavily overpriced offer, which the CNSP deemed too high. This further solidified Niger’s decision to pivot towards Turkish defense technologies.
Strategic Shift towards Turkish Defence Technologies
Niger’s interest in Turkish defense technologies is part of a broader trend observed across Africa. Turkish drones have gained popularity due to their reliability and effectiveness in various combat and surveillance operations. For countries like Niger, Turkey presents a strategic alternative with flexible approaches and competitive defense products.
Previous Ventures into Turkish Military Technology
This deal is not Niger’s first venture into Turkish military technology. Previously, Niger has shown interest in other Turkish defense products, including the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) and the Hurkus light attack aircraft, produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). In 2021, Turkey announced Bayraktar TB2 drone order from Nigér.
In 2022, TAI confirmed that Niger had ordered two Hurkus aircraft, with deliveries completed by the end of that year.
Addressing Security Threats
Niger faces severe security threats from jihadist insurgencies linked to groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates, particularly in its southeastern region bordering Nigeria. The acquisition of the Karayel-SU drones is part of an ongoing effort to modernize Niger’s military and enhance its capabilities to combat these challenges.
The “Karayel-SU” is a variant of the Karayel family line, given extended mainplanes for improved stability and enhanced fuel economy while being cleared to carry attack munitions or even mission-specific equipment by way of a pair of hardpoints (resulting in four hardpoints in all). The aircraft can, therefore, be fielded with Precision-Guided Munitions (PGMs) including missiles, guided bombs, guided rockets, and air-launched mortars. The UAV is also capable of providing real-time rolling SATCOM (SATellite COMmunications) if modified as such.
The platform supports a payload capacity of 70 kg at the center of gravity and 120 kg under the wings, with an endurance of 20 hours while carrying a payload. It can perform target pointing, lighting, and ammunition direction through its EO/IR camera payload system, offering day and night target detection and identification. The KARAYEL operates at an altitude of 22,500 ft with a line of sight range of 200 km and supports satellite control (SATCOM) beyond line of sight (BLOS).
Laser guided ammunitions integrated to KARAYEL UAS are highly accurate for fixed/moving, lightly armored/unarmored targets.