Nigeria is strengthening its domestic defence technology and manufacturing capabilities through a proposed partnership between Türkiye’s defence technology company, HAVELSAN, and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos, establishing a framework for potential cooperation in defence technology, cybersecurity, military training, surveillance and autonomous systems.
The agreement reflects Nigeria’s growing interest in international technology partnerships that go beyond equipment procurement to include local production, skills development and technology transfer.
HAVELSAN said the partnership would enable both organisations to explore mutually beneficial projects, expressing its commitment to building “a strong, enduring, and mutually beneficial partnership between Türkiye and Nigeria.”
What to Know About HAVELSAN-DICON Partnership
The agreement identifies several areas of potential collaboration, including command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR), simulation and training, unmanned and autonomous systems, information and communication technology, integrated security solutions and cybersecurity.
These technologies are increasingly important to modern military operations, helping security forces coordinate activities, gather intelligence, monitor threats and protect critical digital infrastructure.
Through the proposed collaboration, Nigeria could explore opportunities to strengthen its technological capabilities while developing local expertise in advanced defence systems.
HAVELSAN Vice President Şevket Ünal described the company’s partnership philosophy as:
“Build together, produce together, and sustain together,” highlighting an approach centred on joint development, manufacturing and long-term technical support.
Developing Local Military Maintenance Capabilities
Beyond the Turkish-Nigerian agreement, India’s Airbornics Defence & Space Pvt. Ltd. (ADSL), a defence and aerospace division of the JCBL Group, is partnering with Nigeria’s Nigus Hercules Limited to develop maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in the country.
The proposed initiative will cover armoured vehicles, engines and air defence equipment, supported by engineering expertise, specialist training and spare parts provision.
The companies also envisage establishing a Centre of Excellence for equipment maintenance, lifecycle support and upgrades.
The initiative could reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign maintenance facilities while strengthening local engineering expertise and creating opportunities for technical skills development.
Its implementation will depend on service requirements, facility readiness and the availability of specialised training.
Increasing Domestic Defence Production
Nigeria’s ambition to strengthen local defence manufacturing comes amid a significant gap between domestic ammunition production and national requirements.
Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, disclosed that the country produces more than 50 million rounds of ammunition annually against an estimated national requirement of approximately 300 million.
He identified investment, technology transfer and local technical expertise as priorities for expanding domestic production capacity.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General (retired) Morakinyo Abiodun, a director at DICON-D7G, disclosed plans to inaugurate a military jetty at Tedi Island in Ojo, Lagos, by the end of November 2026.
The facility is expected to support military equipment manufacturing and assembly, further contributing to Nigeria’s defence industrial infrastructure.
Expanding International Defence Cooperation
Nigeria is also strengthening its defence relationships with other international partners, including Italy, Poland, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Italy’s Ministry of Defence reported that discussions between General Luciano Portolano and Nigerian officials addressed the finalisation of a bilateral defence cooperation agreement, alongside potential police training and Nigerian requirements for pilot, counter-drone and counter-improvised explosive device (IED) training.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, also engaged international delegations, including representatives from Poland, US Africa Command and Italy, on defence technology, equipment requirements, training and operational cooperation.
Similarly, the British High Commission highlighted the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership, reinforcing cooperation across security, skills development, innovation and trade.
Maritime Security, Satellite Technology and AI Applications
The exhibition’s technical programme also places emphasis on maritime coordination, the protection of critical undersea infrastructure and space-enabled security operations.
Discussions on maritime technology are examining compatible systems, shared operational standards and information exchange to improve cooperation between naval forces and protect important undersea assets, including communication infrastructure.
Meanwhile, sessions on space technology are exploring the applications of satellite communications, navigation and Earth observation in military planning, air mobility and logistics management.
The programme also features Peter Round of EarthDaily Analytics, who is expected to discuss global Earth observation and data suitable for artificial intelligence applications.
These discussions highlight the growing intersection of defence, satellite technology, data intelligence and AI in strengthening national and regional security.
Organised by dmg events in partnership with DICON, with support from the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Ministry of Defence, AFRIDEX brings together government officials, military institutions, international defence manufacturers and technology companies to explore opportunities across land, maritime, air, space and cyber capabilities.
The exhibition, which concluded on October 31, 2026, provided a platform for discussions on international partnerships, local defence production, technological innovation and sustainable industrial development.
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