Nigeria is planning to acquire 12 Turkish-made combat drones to strengthen its surveillance and strike capabilities against insurgents and armed groups, as the country continues to modernise its military hardware.
The Nigerian Air Force disclosed the planned acquisition of the TUSAŞ Aksungur unmanned aerial vehicles in an infographic published on its official X account on Sunday.
The drones were listed among additional aircraft expected to join the service. However, the announcement did not provide a contract value, delivery schedule or confirmation that a procurement agreement had been finalised.
Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, the Aksungur is a twin-engine, medium-altitude, long-endurance drone designed for intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance and armed operations.
According to the manufacturer, the aircraft has a wingspan of 24 metres, can carry a payload exceeding 750 kilogrammes and can remain airborne for up to 50 hours, depending on its configuration. It can also carry electro-optical and infrared cameras, radar systems and precision-guided weapons.
If the acquisition proceeds, the drones could improve Nigeria’s ability to monitor militant movements, gather intelligence and conduct extended aerial missions in areas affected by terrorism and other security threats.
Nigeria has battled Boko Haram and its Islamic State-linked faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province, particularly in the North-East. Armed banditry, kidnappings and attacks on military positions and civilians have also continued to pose security challenges in the North-West.
The planned purchase would add to the Air Force’s existing fleet of Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones and Chinese-made unmanned aircraft, expanding its options for surveillance and aerial operations.
The announcement comes amid a broader military modernisation programme. The Air Force said five helicopters were delivered in September, while six L-39ZA aircraft underwent upgrades in Slovakia and Nigeria. A C-130 aircraft also received maintenance in Portugal.
Nigeria ranks third in Africa and 33rd globally in the 2026 Global Firepower Index, behind Egypt and Algeria on the continent. The ranking assesses overall military strength rather than air power alone.
The Aksungur is also operated by Turkey, while Kyrgyzstan and Chad have been reported to possess the aircraft. Niger introduced the Turkish-made drone in September, according to the report.
Nigeria’s planned acquisition, if completed, would further expand the use of Turkish military technology in the country’s efforts to tackle insecurity.
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