The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria-D7G (DICON-D7G) has swiftly ramped up its production capabilities, announcing the completion of nearly 1,000 upgraded DG-103 rifles within just two months of operation at its facility in Kaduna. This development marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its domestic defense manufacturing sector.
The DG-103 rifle is a locally licensed variant of the Russian Kalashnikov AK-103 assault rifle, designed to fire the 7.62×39-millimeter M43 cartridge. With a cyclic rate of approximately 600 rounds per minute, the rifle boasts a muzzle velocity exceeding 700 meters (2,297 feet) per second and an effective firing range of up to 500 meters (1,640 feet).
Osman Chennar, the Chief Executive Officer of DICON-D7G, made this announcement during a briefing at the organization’s headquarters in Abuja. He noted that the initial batch of rifles has successfully passed comprehensive testing and certification, aligning with the operational standards set by the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.
DICON-D7G has ambitious plans for expansion, projected to manufacture around 60 million rounds of ammunition annually, in addition to the ongoing full-scale production of the DG-103 rifle. Chennar indicated that the company is also venturing into the production of drones and anti-drone systems equipped with early-warning capabilities to better support frontline troops.
Furthermore, Mainasara Abdul Masanawa, the Research and Development Director at DICON-D7G, shared insights on forthcoming initiatives, including plans to acquire a military jetty in Lagos by February 2026. This facility will encompass a production line, storage warehouses, and living quarters for personnel. Masanawa emphasized that the establishment of a shipyard within this facility would facilitate the servicing and maintenance of naval vessels, thereby significantly expanding local production capacity.
Headlining these developments is the strategic partnership between the Nigerian government’s state-owned Defence Industries Corporation and D7G Company Limited, which aims to bolster indigenous military equipment production. Chennar has characterized these advancements as vital components of Nigeria’s broader objective to achieve self-reliance and fortify national security. He stated that DICON-D7G is a “central player” in the defense industrialization aspect of the country’s Renewed Hope agenda, underscoring its importance in strengthening Nigeria’s defense capabilities and fostering greater military autonomy.
