Nigerian military, Briech launch locally made bombs, attack drones

The Nigerian military, in collaboration with Briech UAS has launched locally made bombs and drones in Abuja.

At the unveiling and demonstration of the first set of locally manufactured attack drones, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said it was a major landmark in the nation's journey towards self reliance in defense technology and a significant step in strengthening national security capabilities.

The CDS added that the development of the combat drones is a timely intervention as efficiency of drones is critical in gathering intelligence and executing decisive actions against threats in an era where security threats are increasingly complex and asymmetric.

“These force multipliers will play a vital role in enhancing the operational effectiveness of our military and other areas in a world where the global politics surrounding the procurement of advanced military hardware, particularly combat drones have become more intricate,” he said.

“Countries that do not produce such solutions are made to face bureaucratic bottlenecks and diplomatic holders in acquiring these critical platforms, we are facing such challenges directly.

“So we know what it means if you don't produce what you need, you'll be held whenever you need them, even with your money at hand.

“By manufacturing these drones locally, Nigeria reduces its dependence on foreign resources, ensures prompt acquisition and strengthens ability to respond swiftly to security threats, I'm sure, with the great minds we have, especially with the youths in.

“We can produce something that will be very, very outstanding anywhere in the world, the cumbersome bureaucracy that has come.”

Speaking at the event, the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, said that it would be difficult for Nigeria to record sustainable growth until it starts recognising and patronising its local products.

The governor said that his state is partnering with local bomb and drone producers such as the Briech UAS in countering insurgency with locally made weapons.

Mutfwang noted that some of the locally made facilities have been deployed to Plateau State.

“And we have seen great improvement in the efficiency of the forces of ground.

“We have made a mistake as a nation when we allowed non-state actors to acquire capabilities that are almost overwhelming state actors.

“And it is time to address that disadvantage. We must get to the point where no one operates within our borders with capabilities that compete not to talk of exceed those of us who have been charged with the Constitutional responsibility for protecting our national sovereignty,” the governor said.

Also speaking, the Chairman Briech UAS, Bright Echefu, noted that insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP have adopted commercial drones just recently for reconnaissance and attack missions.

“These drones have been used to track and also attack our troops. They've been using these drones to coordinate ambushes and execute crude aerial strikes,” he said.

Echefu explained that the locally made drones and bombs are latest advancements in technology meant to enhance national security.

“We have dedicated ourselves to developing good surveillance and attack drones tailored to meeting the unique challenges faced by our country,” he said.