To modernize its air component, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the acquisition of six indigenous Tsaigumi drones. This initiative, which also includes the purchase of ground control stations and spare parts, represents an investment of $1.54 million by the Nigerian government.
The Tsaigumi, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed in collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force Research and Development Center in Kaduna and Portuguese company UAVision, marks a significant advancement for the NAF. This operational drone is an evolution of the previous prototypes, “Amebo” and “Gulma”, and is equipped with superior surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
The Tsaigumi, designed by the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology, will be used in the fight against militants and armed bandits. Nigeria, faced with multiple security threats, including an Islamist insurgency in the north, tensions in the oil-rich south and clashes between herders and farmers in the central region, sees these drones as a strategic asset.
The aim is to mass produce the Tsaigumi and consider exporting it to other countries, which could mark a turning point in the Nigerian defense industry.
The Tsaigumi drone, an innovation of the Nigerian Air Force, is characterized by its twin-boom structure and pusher propeller configuration. Designed for surveillance and reconnaissance operations, the Tsaigumi is equipped with a tricycle landing gear system, which includes two main wheels and a steerable nose wheel, facilitating takeoff and landing. With a maximum takeoff weight of 95 kg, this UAV is notably lightweight and agile.