The Nigerian Air Force has introduced a rotary-wing unmanned aerial system (UAS) equipped with an automatic rifle for autonomous combat operations at an aerospace equipment convention in Lagos.
The platform, developed by the service’s Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), is designed with six wings and an assault rifle pointing about 45 degrees downward to maintain precision fires against land-based targets while hovering.
Images captured by local news outlet Military Africa show that the drone has two legs to support takeoff and landing while maintaining enough space for the integrated weapon’s aiming position.
The new hexacopter stands apart from earlier bomb-armed versions, showcasing a fresh approach to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that could reshape Nigeria’s military capabilities. https://t.co/VYAqyHDtFq
— Military Africa (@militaryafrica) June 22, 2025
The hexacopter incorporates a GPS system for positioning and navigation, autopilot software, a high-resolution camera, and a communication system to coordinate attacks with ground control.
It has a payload capacity of 5 kilograms (11 pounds), a service ceiling of up to 400 meters (1,312 feet), and a range of 40 kilometers (25 miles).
The aircraft’s maximum range can be achieved in just 40 minutes, allowing the platform to be deployed for long-range aerial surveillance, tactical support, intelligence gathering, and counter-insurgency missions.
AFIT noted that the UAS consists of more than 70 hardware and software components sourced domestically, supporting the West African state’s increased self-reliance in defense technology.
Missile-Equipped Drone
Nigeria’s launch of its rifle-armed UAS follows the country’s presentation of a separate combat drone during the AFIT’s 47th commencement exercise in 2018.
The system was equipped with an undisclosed type of missile and features an airframe design similar to the institute’s latest hexacopter.
