The Nigerian premier space agency, the Defence Space Administration (DSA) has commenced the development of a number of surveillance and smaller armed drones. The new drones includes AYBARS-II surveillance drone, ADAN 70 assault drone, SZK-290 surveillance drone, MIKIYA-20 drone, Oturukpokpo tactical resupply drone, and Patroller -20 drone.
One of its product is the AYBARS-II fixed-wing VTOL surveillance drone first showcased on 24 May, 2024, at the Africa Air Force Forum in Abuja.
The AYBARS-II drone has an endurance of 7-8 hours, a maximum take-off weight of 35kg, and an operational speed of 80km/h.
It’s wing span is 3.9 meters, and is built with a composite carbon fiber fuselage. It is equipped with a day and night camera, and a data link with range of 100-2000 kilometers.
The DZK-290 surveillance drone was designed in partnership with the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), using composite carbon fiber, and has a maximum take off weight of 15 kilogram. It is fitted with an internal combination engine, providing an 8 hours endurance.
For the ADAN 70, it was also designed in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). It’s maximum take-off weight is 35kg, with a flight duration of 30 minutes and data link of 10 kilometers.
The ADAN 70 assault drone can be armed with six 60 mm mortar to attack ground targets.
The MIKIYA-20 drone was also designed in collaboration with the AFIT. It’s maximum take-off weight is 6 kilogram, and flight duration is three hours. it has a data link range of 20 kilometers, and was built using composite carbon fiber.
Oturukpokpo tactical resupply multi-rotor drone designed to resupply ground troops at the forward edge of the battlefield. It maximum take off weight is 55 kilogram, with a flight duration of 40 minutes, and data link range of 20 kilometers.
The Patroller-20 is fixed wing surveillance drone with a 5.5 kilogram maximum take off weight.
The Defence Space Administration has carried out the test flight of these indigenous drone system early this year.
In recent years, drones have transitioned from futuristic marvels to essential tools across various industries worldwide. This trend holds true in Nigeria, where a growing number of manufacturers are contributing to the burgeoning drone ecosystem. From defense applications to agricultural monitoring, these companies are shaping the future of drone technology in the African nation.
Drone manufacturers in Nigeria are a relatively new and emerging sector, but they have shown great potential and innovation in various fields.
The insecurity in Nigeria have shown that acquisition and rapid dissemination of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) information is an essential factor in achieving a decisive success in conflicts.
It is a well known fact that military campaigns benefits greatly from the ISR and clandestine strike capabilities offered by unmanned aerial systems. UAVs (drones) can be used for surveillance, air strike, and covert reconnaissance, and are increasingly appealing to African militaries facing security challenges, either from terrorists, bandits, or armed militants.
The Chief of Defence Space Administration, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Abdullahi Shinkafi, in a presentation last year December stated that, “It is pertinent to state that some products and services such as satellite imagery, personnel/assets tracking as well as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (SR) Imaginary were already procured by DSA and have been used to support the ongoing Counter Insurgency Operations across the country.
“These products and services have contributed immensely to some of the successes being recorded in these internal security operations.
In 2022, the then Chief of Defence Space Administration (CDSA), Rear Admiral Nnamdi Muogilim, gave a historical background on the establishment of DSA and its mandate, adding that the purpose of establishing the agency was not just centred on space but providing centric network system to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria with real-time pictures of operation theatres.