The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to significantly bolster the country’s armament capabilities, with negotiations for a technology transfer agreement with Serbia’s Zenith Prom now reaching an advanced stage. The acquisition of 57mm rocket technology from Zenith Prom is expected to enhance Nigeria’s ability to manufacture advanced rocket systems domestically.
Since 2021, the Nigerian Air Force has put to combat use the aerial rocket system wholly designed and developed by it’s engineers. Apparently, the rocket launcher has been patented by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) is as good and effective as any other made by foreign companies.
During the Defence and Services Transformation and Innovation Branches of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) Seminar, hosted by the NAF in Abuja, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar emphasized the imperative of innovation in addressing evolving security challenges. He highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at boosting the NAF’s operational capabilities, noting the branch’s focus on cutting-edge technology development, operational process modernization, and fostering a culture of innovation across all levels.
In a statement by Group Captain Kabiru Ali, Deputy Director Public Relations and Information, the NAF revealed collaborations with UA Vision of Portugal to operationalize the Tsaigumi Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) within Nigeria. This partnership is anticipated to enhance the NAF’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, thereby enabling more effective national airspace monitoring.
Additionally, the NAF is working on the development of the Tactical Mobile Combat Smart Helmet, an advanced protective gear designed to improve situational awareness in combat. Further initiatives include the local production of General-Purpose Machine-Gun ammunition links and 250kg bomb impact fuses, reflecting a broader strategy to enhance self-reliance in armaments.
Major General Abudulsalam Abubakar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, articulated the concept of the “smart soldier” as central to the Nigerian Army’s transformation. He underscored the importance of staying ahead of technological trends and equipping soldiers with artificial intelligence, smart devices, and wearable technology to enhance communication, situational awareness, and decision-making in combat scenarios.
Moreover, last November, President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill, 2023, marked a pivotal moment for the nation’s defence industry. The bill, sponsored by Babajimi Benson, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, introduces several reforms and innovations aimed at making DICON more accountable, transparent, and efficient. Key provisions include empowering DICON to operate and maintain subsidiaries and ordnance factories, establishing a research and development institute, and attracting private capital to facilitate production and innovation.
In line with these initiatives, President Tinubu also approved a $1 billion deal with India in September 2023 to modernize DICON’s facilities and increase local production of defence equipment to 40% by 2027. This deal is set to provide DICON with the necessary funding and expertise to produce advanced products, such as drones, missiles, and radars, thus further cementing Nigeria’s stride toward self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.
Meanwhile, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Defence and its manufacturing enterprise, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) for the establishment of an ammunition production factory.
This partnership is a unique opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its defence infrastructure through indigenous innovation and technological advancement, NASENI Director of Information, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, explained after the signing of the MoU in Abuja on 13 August.
According to Halilu, “NASENI’s track record in research, development, and manufacturing positions the agency as a key player in the establishment of the MIC. The new Military Industrial Complex will serve as a hub for the development, production, and maintenance of military equipment, ranging from small arms to advanced defence systems.”
He also explained that the aim of the project was to create a robust ecosystem that supports the needs of the Nigerian Armed Forces while fostering the growth of local industries, thereby reducing reliance on foreign imports.
“‘This MoU represents the beginning of a long-term collaboration aimed at enhancing our defence capabilities through innovation and indigenous production,” he continued.
“Our goal is to ensure that our military is equipped with the best tools to defend our nation, and through this partnership, we will lay the foundation for a self-reliant defence industry that will also contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth,” he added.
“Introducing the BAT A-1 Specialised Assault Rifle and its production line will address small arms proliferation issues while equipping our security operatives with modern fighting capabilities.
“The proposed state-of-the-art micro motherboard processing facility will be the backbone of robotics and artificial intelligence innovations, leveraging resources from our newly inaugurated lithium development plant in Nasarawa State,” he said.
In February, DICON Director-General, Major General Aniedi Edet, said DICON had resumed the production of ammunition and delivered four million rounds to the Nigerian Army in January as it embarks on an ambitious expansion drive.
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria was established in 1964. It operates an Ordnance Factory in Kaduna, where it makes small arms and ammunition, including assault rifles, machine guns and sub-machine guns (in 2018 it secured an agreement with Poland’s PGZ to manufacture Beryl assault rifles locally). Its Special Vehicle Plant is carrying out the refurbishment and upgrade of armoured vehicles, and has manufactured locally developed Ezugwu mine-resistant, ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles for the Nigerian Army.