In a strategic move to enhance national security, Nigeria has procured 43 advanced drones from Turkey under Project Guardian.
The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to combat security challenges, particularly in the North-West region, and improve surveillance and response capabilities.
According to military.africa, it is believed that the drones are Bayraktar TB2s, known for their advanced surveillance and strike capabilities.
Brigadier General U.G. Ogeleka, Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, announced the development during a ceremony held to recognize 46 personnel trained in the operation and maintenance of the drones.
The specialized training program, conducted in Turkey between May and September 2022, prepared 35 officers and 11 soldiers in various aspects of drone operations, including piloting, mission operations, avionics, and maintenance.
Among the trained personnel, 14 are multi-piloted aircraft pilots, seven are mission operators, and 23 are engineers and technicians. Twenty-two of them were officially certified at the ceremony, while the others have already been deployed for active duty.
The acquisition of these drones is part of a broader trend of increasing UAS adoption by armed forces globally, including in Africa. Nigeria has been actively investing in drone technology, procuring systems from various countries like China, Israel, and the United States, and also developing its own indigenous UAVs.
Enhancing Military Capabilities
Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, emphasized the importance of these drones in modernizing the Nigerian Army’s arsenal. He also announced plans to procure additional unmanned aerial systems to further enhance military operations across the country. The Bayraktar TB2 drones are expected to significantly improve the army’s ability to combat insurgency and organized crime in the region.
Impact of Military Drones
Military drones have become a key operational tool for 21st-century armed forces, providing real-time information from various locations. Their cost-effectiveness and versatility make them valuable assets for military, counter-insurgency, peacekeeping, and peacemaking missions.
Nigeria, at the forefront of this new arms race, has been using drones for surveillance and reconnaissance operations against Boko Haram in the northeast. The country has acquired drones from China, Israel, the United States, and has developed its own UAVs, including the Gulma and the Tsaigumi.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The Nigerian military’s collaboration with Turkey began in 2021 when both countries pledged to strengthen military relations to tackle terrorism. This was followed by further talks on defense collaboration and the acquisition of various military hardware, including attack helicopters and armed drones.
Leading Turkish defense companies pitched their hardware to the Nigerian military leadership, resulting in Nigeria adding the Turkish Songar UAV to its growing drone fleet. In August 2022, Fly Bvlos Technology, a subsidiary of Coşkunöz Holding operating in Gebze Technical University Dronepark sold thirty of its Delta Small Unmanned Aircraft to Nigeria.
By September 2022, Nigeria had acquired armed Bayraktar TB2 military drones from Turkey, with personnel receiving training in Turkey. In August 2023, STM, a Turkish defense company, exported its TOGAN unmanned aerial vehicle to Nigeria.
Bayraktar TB2 Overview
The Bayraktar TB2, developed by Turkish defense contractor Baykar Makina, is a highly advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). It has a wingspan of 12 meters, a maximum takeoff weight of 650 kilograms, and can fly for up to 27 hours at an altitude of 27,000 feet. Equipped with various sensors, including electro-optical and infrared sensors, synthetic aperture radar, and high-resolution cameras, the Bayraktar TB2 excels in surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting missions.
One of its significant advantages is its ability to carry two MAM-L precision-guided munitions, capable of striking targets with high accuracy. The Bayraktar TB2 has proven effective in military operations in Syria and Libya, providing real-time intelligence and precision strikes.
The acquisition of 43 Turkish drones under Project Guardian marks a significant step in enhancing Nigeria’s unmanned systemd capabilities. By integrating advanced UAV technology, Nigeria aims to address security challenges more effectively and strengthen its defense infrastructure.
This March, the Nigerian Army took a significant step in bolstering its military capabilities with the establishment of its own aviation corps. This move was further strengthened by the announcement of a $3.2 million investment for the construction of the first Army aviation hangar at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger State.
