Turkish Defence Industry Establishes Permanent Presence in West Africa
A strategic defence agreement was signed between DASAL Aviation Technologies and Nigerian company NIGUS at SAHA 2026. The contract, covering 100,000 kamikaze UAVs, includes local assembly, technology cooperation, and the establishment of defence infrastructure in West Africa.
DASAL Aviation Technologies signed a remarkable defence cooperation agreement with Nigeria-based NIGUS International Investment Limited. Signed within the scope of the SAHA 2026 International Defence, Aerospace and Space Industry Fair, the agreement presents a multilayered defence model that includes not only product supply, but also local assembly, maintenance infrastructure, and technology cooperation.
The agreement, signed during the event held at the Istanbul Expo Center, is regarded as one of the significant examples demonstrating that Türkiye’s defence industry exports are now focusing not only on platform sales but also on establishing sustainable regional defence ecosystems.
Scope of the Agreement Draws Attention
Within the scope of the contract, the following deliveries to Nigeria are planned:
- 100,000 DASAL MIKON Kamikaze UAVs,
- 200 DASAL FALCON R556 systems,
- 100 DASAL PUHU Cargo UAV systems.
In particular, the package of 100,000 kamikaze UAVs is seen as a major milestone in international defence circles, demonstrating the Turkish defence industry’s mass production capability in unmanned systems.
DASAL, which focuses on multirotor and below-cloud unmanned systems used in tactical operations, is known for standing out in asymmetric warfare concepts with its low-cost yet highly effective operational platforms.
Local Assembly and Maintenance Infrastructure to Be Established in Nigeria
One of the most critical aspects of the agreement is the local defence infrastructure to be established in Nigeria. Within the scope of the contract, not only product deliveries will be carried out, but phased local assembly, system integration, and maintenance-repair-overhaul (MRO) infrastructure will also be established.
Through this model, it is aimed to increase the operational continuity of the Nigerian Armed Forces and reduce external dependency. According to defence industry experts, this approach highlights the concept of a “strategic partnership based on technology transfer,” differing from the traditional export model.
It is also stated that the agreement could form the basis of a new Türkiye-centred defence cooperation network within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region.
DASAL: “We Are Establishing a Defence Technologies Hub in Africa”
Kutay Çağıl Büyüköztürk stated that the signed agreement would generate not only commercial but also strategic outcomes.
Büyüköztürk noted that DASAL systems have proven themselves in below-cloud operations in the field, while emphasising that kamikaze and cargo UAV platforms provide significant advantages in terms of operational speed and cost efficiency.
Stating that they aim to establish a sovereign defence technologies and logistics sustainment hub in Africa, Büyüköztürk said they intend to enhance the force multiplier effect of the Nigerian Army in the field through a disciplined integration and technical support model.
“This Cooperation Represents a Paradigm Shift for Nigeria”
Malik Ado-Ibrahim stated that the agreement represents a new era in Nigeria’s defence approach.
Ado-Ibrahim said that instead of a structure that merely purchases products, they are building a model that develops local integration and production capabilities. He noted that transferring DASAL’s engineering expertise in multirotor platforms to Nigeria carries strategic importance for regional security and long-term operational flexibility.
A New Era in Türkiye’s Defence Exports
In recent years, the influence of Turkish defence industry companies in the African market has been growing rapidly. Particularly through UAV/UCAV technologies, low-cost operational solutions, and proven field performance, Turkish companies have started to compete directly with Western and Chinese manufacturers in the region.
