Based on the number and types of drones purchased each year, Nigeria, Algeria and Ethiopia have been cited as the most viable markets for the domestic drone industry.Photo: Provided by Bird Story Agency
As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) become increasingly important to modern militaries, African countries are investing in local production of military drones.
Africa's latest drone procurement data shows the continent has recorded “significant progress” in indigenous drone development, sparking an arms race as countries compete to gain technological advantages over their neighbors It shows that it is possible.
Data from Military Africa, an online resource for the defense industry, tracks up to 35 African-made drone models in service or beyond the prototype stage.
“Unmanned aerial vehicles are being developed by 13 different companies in seven African countries, demonstrating the continent’s growing expertise and innovation in this field,” Military Africa said in its 2024 Procurement Data Report. Ta.
Digital Defense Industry Resources lists Egypt, Sudan, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia as among the countries with evidence of indigenous technology producing these small aircraft remotely without human pilots on board. It is being
Currently, there are approximately 180 locally manufactured units. The majority are fixed-wing (174 aircraft), but rotary-wing and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) are less common types on the market, with three each.
Fixed-wing drones are suitable for long-endurance, long-range missions such as search and rescue, maritime patrols, and air strikes.
Regionally, Southern Africa leads the way in locally produced drones, with 94 units produced in 12 models. Next was North Africa with 14 models of which he produced 51 cars, West Africa with 20 cars and East Africa with 15 cars.
Denel, a South African company, is Africa's largest drone manufacturer.
According to the report, “South Africa was an early adopter of unmanned aerial vehicles, with the military promoting drone development starting in 1970. Refined by combat experience, the drone industry blossomed in the 1980s.”
In September 2023, South Africa marked a “significant milestone” with the maiden flight of the indigenous Mirkor 380 unmanned aircraft, which boasts an impressive wingspan of 18.6 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 1,300 kilograms.
Nigeria is based at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Africa's second-largest drone manufacturer, and has produced 20 drones since it began operations in the 2000s.
Nigeria's drones include the Tsaiguchi UAV, developed in collaboration between the Air Force Research and Development Center and Portugal-based UAVision.
North African countries like Egypt rely heavily on imported military drones, but some units are locally manufactured or assembled. These include the E June-30SW model, manufactured by the Egyptian Ministry of Military Affairs using complex robotics, and Military Africa, likely the result of technology transfer from the United Arab Emirates to the North African country. states that it may be.
Another Egyptian model is the ASN-209 UAV, a joint development between the Egyptian military and Chinese defense manufacturer Xi'an Aisheng Technology Group.
In Algeria, Star Aviation developed the Amel series in 2013. His Amel 300, developed in 2016, is manufactured by Center Industrial Research Technology (CRTI) and 17 aircraft have been produced to date.
Tunisia's Nasnan drone, manufactured by Tunisia Aero Technologies Industries (TATI), first flew in August 1998.
“North African countries are not only avid importers of arms, but are also increasingly seeking to build indigenous defense capabilities,” the report states.
In East Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia top the list of local manufacturers of military drones.
Kenya reverse engineered Israel's Aerostar drone (named 'TAI') with the help of Turkish engineers. This model was announced in 2021.
Ethiopia's WanderB (designated MDAV-1) has two variants: UAV and Reserve Component (RC) training. In 2010, the country also exhibited a prototype “MALE UAV” developed by Ethiopian engineers and Turkish company Miryas.
Drones are used in Africa for a variety of purposes, from fighting terrorism to monitoring illegal activities such as poaching and smuggling to delivering medical supplies to remote areas. However, military drones are currently receiving increasing attention.
“The use of military drones in Africa has increased rapidly in recent years, with at least 21 countries operating drones for military purposes,” the report said, based on information gleaned from procurement data.
Based on the number and types of drones purchased each year, Nigeria, Algeria and Ethiopia have been cited as the most viable markets for the domestic drone industry. Nigeria topped the list with 28 types.
Egypt purchased the most drones with 267, followed by Morocco with 233. North Africa is considered the most powerful region in Africa in terms of military strength and spending.
Nigeria is also considered to be a high military spender, having purchased 177 drones and ranks third on the list.
Africa mainly imports military drones from China (400), Israel (309), and the United States (227).
– Bird, Story Agency
