# AFIT develops rifle-armed Hexacopter drone

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2025/06/afit-develops-rifle-armed-hexacopter-drone/
- Published: 2025-06-22T13:37:44+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has taken a bold step forward in aerospace
and defence engineering with the unveiling of its latest creation: a rifle-armed
hexacopter drone designed to sharpen precision in combat operations. This development,
announced by Professor M. Alimony, AFIT’s Director for Research and Development,
took place at the [4th African Air Forces Forum](https://www.military.africa/2025/05/4th-african-air-forces-forum-concludes-sucessfully/)
in Lagos, Nigeria. It reflects AFIT’s ongoing mission to position itself as a world-
class institution and the top choice for those pursuing studies in aerospace and
defence technology. The new hexacopter stands apart from [earlier bomb-armed versions,](https://www.military.africa/2018/07/nigerian-air-force-straps-bomb-to-hexacopter-drone-showcase-modified-gunpods/)
showcasing a fresh approach to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that could reshape
Nigeria’s military capabilities.

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_5482-1-1024x575.jpg)

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_5481-1024x575.jpg)

The hexacopter’s capabilities are tailored for aerial surveillance, a vital tool
in modern warfare.

Professor Alimony, while presenting the drone to attendees, emphasised AFIT’s goal
of achieving at least 70 per cent local content in its construction. This ambition
is about more than just engineering—it’s about ownership. By relying heavily on 
locally produced software and hardware, AFIT aims to claim the hexocopter as a fully
Nigerian innovation. The drone itself, displayed at the forum, is a testament to
this vision. It was fabricated entirely by AFIT, with only a handful of materials
sourced from abroad, proving that the institute has the expertise and resources 
to build advanced technology in-house.

The hexacopter’s capabilities are tailored for aerial surveillance, a vital tool
in modern warfare. It can climb to an altitude of 400 meters and cover a distance
of 40 kilometres in just 40 minutes, offering a swift and far-reaching eye in the
sky. Its name, “hexocopter,” comes from its six legs, a design that supports an 
array of sophisticated features. Equipped with a GPS system, an autopilot system,
a communication system, and a camera system, the drone is built for precision and
adaptability. It can also carry a payload of up to five kilograms, making it versatile
enough for tasks ranging from reconnaissance to targeted operations.

This unveiling wasn’t a standalone event. AFIT used the forum to showcase its broader
contributions to research and development, a role it has embraced as a leader in
Nigeria’s defence sector for years. Alongside the rifle-armed hexocopter, the institute
displayed several other aeronautical projects. Among them was a prototype unmanned
hexocopter, distinct from the rifle-armed model, as well as an oleo-pneumatic shock
absorber designed for UAVs to improve durability and performance. An automatic solar
tracking system was also presented, hinting at AFIT’s exploration of sustainable
energy solutions, while a rocket launcher circuit test box demonstrated practical
applications for weaponry.

ADVERTISEMENT

Beyond aerial innovations, AFIT revealed a range of technologies addressing diverse
military needs. A Smart Mini Spy Vehicle (SMSV), engineered for clandestine espionage,
caught attention for its potential in discreet intelligence gathering. A combat 
search and rescue device was introduced as well, offering a lifeline for operations
in hostile environments. Rounding out the display was an unmanned ground vehicle,
showing that AFIT’s expertise extends beyond the skies to ground-based solutions.

The rifle-armed hexocopter, however, remains the centrepiece of this effort, especially
given Nigeria’s pressing security challenges. Insurgency and terrorism have long
plagued the country, often in remote and hard-to-reach areas. The drone’s ability
to conduct precise aerial surveillance could transform how intelligence is gathered,
providing real-time data where traditional methods fall short. Its range and altitude
make it ideal for monitoring vast terrains, while its locally driven development
aligns with Nigeria’s push to reduce reliance on foreign technology.

Professor Alimony’s comments at the forum drove home this point. By prioritising
local production, AFIT is not just building a drone—it’s building a foundation for
self-reliance. This approach mirrors Nigeria’s larger aspirations to foster [homegrown innovation in its defence sector,](https://www.military.africa/2023/11/nigeria-signs-dicon-bill-boosts-defence-industry/)
a move that could inspire other African nations facing similar threats. The hexacopter’s
debut positions AFIT as a key contributor to the continent’s evolving defence landscape,
offering a tool that could help maintain peace and stability in the region.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

In the broader context, this development marks a turning point for Nigeria’s military
technology. The hexacopter’s blend of advanced features and local ingenuity signals
a future where the country can meet its security needs with solutions designed and
built on its terms. As AFIT continues to refine its creations and expand its research,
its influence is poised to grow, cementing its status as a premier hub for aerospace
and defence engineering. The rifle-armed hexacopter is more than a drone—it’s a 
symbol of what’s possible when innovation meets determination.

### _Related_