Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with Briech UAS, has unveiled the primary and largest indigenous assault drones and bombs in Nigeria and Africa.
The occasion, which marked the disclosing of the assault drones and bombs, happened on Wednesday at Briech UAS headquarters in Abuja.
Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), described the initiative as a major step in Nigeria’s journey towards self-reliance in defence know-how and nationwide safety enhancement.
He highlighted that these drones are a game-changer in an period of advanced and uneven safety threats, emphasizing the importance of manufacturing native army options, particularly within the face of world politics and procurement challenges.
“These pressure multipliers will play an important function in enhancing the operational effectiveness of our army. Notably in a world the place international politics surrounding the procurement of superior army {hardware} have develop into extra intricate.
“Nations that don’t produce such options face bureaucratic bottlenecks and diplomatic hurdles when buying these important platforms. We face such challenges straight.
“In case you don’t produce what you want, you’ll be on the mercy of others, even when you’ve got the monetary assets to amass them,” he mentioned.
He additional acknowledged that the drones will assist Nigeria reply swiftly to safety challenges, slicing down on dependence on international gear.
“By manufacturing these drones regionally, Nigeria reduces its dependence on international assets, ensures immediate acquisition, and strengthens its potential to reply swiftly to safety threats.
“With the sensible minds we have now, notably amongst our youth, we are able to create excellent know-how that competes globally,” he acknowledged.
The Governor of Plateau, Caleb Mutfwang, additionally took the chance to talk on the importance of selling homegrown options for the nation’s safety wants.
He emphasised how necessary it’s to guard nationwide sovereignty and safeguard the nation from non-state actors.
“We’ve made a mistake by permitting non-state actors to amass capabilities that rival these of state actors,” Mutfwang mentioned.
He additional highlighted how Plateau is actively working with native producers like Briech UAS, with drones already deployed within the state, enhancing the effectiveness of safety operations.
“We should be certain that nobody inside our borders possesses capabilities that match or exceed these entrusted with the constitutional responsibility of defending our nationwide sovereignty,” Mutfwang mentioned, calling for motion to shut the hole and restore safety management.
Dr. Vivid Echefu, Chairman of Briech UAS, weighed in on the rising threats posed by rebel teams like Boko Haram and ISWAP.
These teams, he identified, have been utilizing industrial drones for surveillance and assaults. “These drones have been used to trace and assault our troops. They’re being deployed to coordinate ambushes and execute crude aerial strikes,” Echefu acknowledged.
This rising use of drones by rebel teams highlights the necessity for stronger native protection capabilities.
