At an aerospace equipment convention held in Lagos, the Nigerian Air Force unveiled an innovative rotary-wing unmanned aerial system (UAS) equipped with an automatic rifle designed for autonomous combat operations. This advanced platform, developed by the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), features a unique design with six wings and an assault rifle angled at approximately 45 degrees downward, enabling precise targeting of land-based threats while the drone hovers in position.
Visuals shared by the local news outlet, Military Africa, reveal that the drone is supported by two sturdy legs, which facilitate takeoff and landing, ensuring operational stability and adequate space for the integrated weapon’s aiming functionality. This hexacopter represents a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), departing from previous models that were primarily armed with bombs. It signals a transformative enhancement in the nation’s military capabilities.
The newly introduced hexacopter is equipped with sophisticated technology, including a GPS system for accurate positioning and navigation, autopilot software for automated flight, a high-resolution camera for surveillance, and a communication system that facilitates real-time coordination with ground command centers. With a payload capacity of up to 5 kilograms (11 pounds) and an operational ceiling reaching 400 meters (1,312 feet), this UAS has an effective range of 40 kilometers (25 miles), a distance it can cover in just 40 minutes. This extensive range positions the drone as an asset for long-range aerial surveillance, tactical support, intelligence gathering, and counter-insurgency operations.
Moreover, AFIT has emphasized that the unmanned aerial system is comprised of over 70 hardware and software components that have been sourced domestically. This initiative highlights Nigeria’s movement toward increased self-reliance in defense technology, underlining a commitment to enhancing indigenous production capabilities and fostering innovation within the military sector.
This launch also follows the introduction of a separate combat drone in 2018 during AFIT’s 47th commencement exercise, which was armed with an undisclosed type of missile and featured a similar airframe design to the new hexacopter. The advancement of these technologies reflects a growing trend in Nigeria’s defense strategy to adapt and modernize its military tools in response to evolving threats.
