In a major leap forward for national defence and technological self-sufficiency, the Nigerian military, in collaboration with Briech UAS, has officially unveiled Africa’s first and largest indigenous attack drones and bombs. The unveiling, held at Briech UAS headquarters in Abuja, marks a watershed moment for Nigeria’s defense capabilities in the face of increasingly complex security threats.
A New Era of Nigerian Military Innovation
Speaking at the event, General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), hailed the unveiling as a critical step toward ending the country’s over-reliance on foreign arms suppliers. He described the locally developed drones as “force multipliers” capable of transforming how Nigeria addresses internal and regional security challenges.
“If you don’t produce what you need, you’ll always be at the mercy of others—even if you have the money to buy it,” General Musa stated. “These drones will allow us to act faster, smarter, and more independently.”
He emphasized that in a world where global arms procurement is complicated by geopolitics and red tape, domestic production of advanced military hardware is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Homegrown Solutions, National Strength
Echoing this sentiment, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State emphasized the urgency of empowering state actors over non-state groups.
“We made a mistake allowing non-state actors to rival state forces in capability,” Mutfwang said. “It’s time to reverse that trend.”
He added that Plateau State has already begun deploying Briech UAS drones in its own operations—with measurable improvements in security outcomes. This, he noted, is a clear case for investing in Nigerian-made defense tech to strengthen sovereignty and regain operational control.
Responding to a Real Threat
Dr. Bright Echefu, Chairman of Briech UAS, highlighted why this moment couldn’t come soon enough. Insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP have increasingly leveraged commercial drones for reconnaissance and crude aerial attacks.
“They’re using drones to track, ambush, and strike our troops. It’s no longer theoretical—it’s happening now,” said Echefu.
He stressed that matching and exceeding these evolving threats demands more than just funding—it requires homegrown defense technology that understands the terrain, the adversaries, and the urgency.
Charting a Path Forward
With the unveiling of these indigenous drones, Nigeria is not just catching up—it’s beginning to lead. The development stands as a milestone for military autonomy, youth-led innovation, and strategic defense readiness.
And as General Musa put it, “With the brilliant minds we have—especially among our youth—we can build technology that competes globally.”
