Nigerian Air Force inducts Tsaigumi local-made drone.

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.

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  Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the acquisition of six indigenous Tsaigumi drones. (Picture source: NAF)

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.

UAV development in Nigeria began in 2008 with the Aerospace Engineering Student Officer Research Project at Cranfield University, UK. Their work led to the creation of the Amebo UAV, which, although it did not have autopilot or ISR surveillance capabilities, laid the foundation for future developments. The Gulma, an experimental UAV launched in 2013, served as a technology demonstrator to collect data on the performance of UAV systems.

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.

The general characteristics of the Tsaigumi are notable : it requires a three-person crew, consisting of a mission commander, a pilot, and a navigator. It measures 8.6 meters in length with a wingspan of 6.8 meters, giving it a significant presence in the sky. Power is provided by a 128 kW (172 hp) engine, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h (160 mph).

In terms of performance, the Tsaigumi excels with a mission radius of 100 km (62 mi) and an impressive endurance of 10 hours, enabling it to cover a range of up to 1,000 km (620 mi). Capable of reaching a service ceiling of 15,000 ft (4,600 m) and an operational altitude of 5,000 ft (1,500 m), the Tsaigumi is well-suited for long-duration missions, thus providing the Nigerian Air Force with an extended capability for its surveillance operations.

Since 2020, the Nigerian army has enriched its arsenal with the acquisition of 14 more Chinese UAVs, including two Wing Loong IIs, four CH-4Bs and two CH-3Bs. capable of intervening in Niger. The recent acquisition of Türkiye's Bayraktar TB2 system further strengthens Nigeria's military capabilities and its role in regional security.

Within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Nigeria is recognized for having the best equipped army.