The Turkish defence industry is significantly expanding its military and technological footprint across the African continent with a record-breaking export contract. DASAL Aviation Technologies, a manufacturer of multi-rotor and sub-cloud unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), signed a massive agreement with Nigeria-based NIGUS International Investment Limited at the SAHA EXPO 2026 trade fair. Under the "Framework Procurement, Local Assembly, and Conditional Technology Cooperation Agreement," Türkiye will export over 100,000 tactical-class UAVs to West Africa. As part of the deal, a permanent logistics and production hub will be established in Nigeria to serve the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) region.
Technical Scope of the Procurement Package and Platform Capabilities
The signed framework agreement encompasses a massive hardware package. The company will manufacture 100,000 MIKON kamikaze UAVs, which have proven their operational success in the field. In addition, 200 FALCON R556 systems will be delivered. Furthermore, 100 PUHU Cargo UAV systems will enter the inventory of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Consequently, this landmark agreement goes far beyond traditional boundaries.
The MIKON kamikaze UAV delivers high destructive impact at a low cost. It easily strikes armoured targets or strategic points in asymmetric warfare. Meanwhile, the PUHU cargo UAV transports ammunition to military units in challenging geographies. Thus, supply lines remain unbroken in active conflict zones. Additionally, FALCON R556 systems maximise situational awareness in the tactical field. This provides the Nigerian military with a unique and holistic asymmetric warfare capability.
A Permanent Production Hub Beyond Sales
The parties did not merely sign a simple off-the-shelf procurement contract; instead, the companies are actively aiming for large-scale technology transfer. NIGUS will serve as the strategic platform coordinator throughout this comprehensive process. Accordingly, local assembly lines will gradually become operational in Nigeria. Furthermore, infrastructure for system integration and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) will be permanently established.
Modern armies strictly require uninterrupted circular logistical support in the field. In short, this move creates a robust defence shield for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region.
Regional Impact of the Industrial Base
NIGUS CEO Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim specifically highlighted the visionary nature of this partnership. He clearly stated that ensuring national security absolute requires technological independence. Moreover, he defined this strategic coordination as a paradigm shift in military procurement. The two companies are building a solid industrial base founded on high technology. Ultimately, Turkish engineering prowess is establishing permanent regional security.
Turkish Dominance in Asymmetric Warfare
These strategic signatures at SAHA EXPO 2026 represent one of the largest tactical UAV contracts in Turkish aviation history in terms of volume and vision. The sale of 100,000 kamikaze UAVs in a single deal clearly demonstrates how future wars will be shaped and underscores the importance of smart munitions at the infantry level.
Under the strategic coordination of NIGUS, facilities to be established in Nigeria are planned to become operational rapidly, with training provided to local personnel. Through this massive technology export of multi-rotor and sub-cloud systems, Türkiye further strengthens the global dominance of Turkish unmanned systems.
