# Nigeria and Ethiopia join forces for Indigenous UAV development

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2025/07/nigeria-and-ethiopia-join-forces-for-indigenous-uav-development/
- Published: 2025-07-17T09:31:34+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel and Patrick Kenyette

In early July 2025, a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), led by Air Commodore
Ali Hussaini Idris, embarked on a three-day visit to the Ethiopian Air Force (FDRE
AF) from July 1 to July 3. This engagement marked a meaningful step toward deepening
defence ties between the two nations and fostering African-led solutions in aerospace
technology.

The Nigerian team toured several key Ethiopian institutions, including the FDRE 
Air Force Headquarters, the Aviation Depot Maintenance Centre (ADMC), Dejen Aviation
Engineering Industry (DAVI), and the Air Force Academy. The timing of the visit 
aligned with Ethiopia’s preparations for the 90th anniversary of its military aviation,
an event that reflects the country’s longstanding history in the field. The discussions
during this visit centred on practical ways to enhance technical cooperation.

One key area of focus was Ethiopia’s proven ability to overhaul L-39 jets and [Mi-series helicopters](https://www.military.africa/2024/02/african-market-for-military-helicopters-reaches-us2-2-billion/),
platforms commonly used across African air forces for training and operational purposes.
Beyond maintenance, the talks explored broader opportunities for collaboration, 
including the exchange of doctrinal knowledge and the establishment of joint programs.
These programs encompassed pilot and technician training, collaborative research
efforts, and an ambitious plan to co-develop a [fully indigenous African Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).](https://www.military.africa/2024/04/complete-african-drone-procurement-data1980-2024/)

To further solidify this partnership, the NAF invited Ethiopian commanders to train
at Nigerian facilities, including the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre and the Air
War College, with the aim of building shared expertise and enhancing interoperability
between the two forces. Nigeria brings considerable experience to this collaboration,
particularly in the realm of UAV development. The NAF has already made notable progress
in producing its drones, a testament to the country’s push to create military equipment
domestically and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

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Among its achievements is the [Tsaigumi UAV](https://www.military.africa/2023/11/nigerian-air-force-to-acquire-indigenous-tsaigumi-drone/),
one of the first drones developed by the Nigerian Air Force. This was followed by
the creation of a [rifle-armed hexacopter](https://www.military.africa/2025/06/afit-develops-rifle-armed-hexacopter-drone/),
a versatile platform designed for specific operational needs. More recently, in 
partnership with [Briech UAS, Nigeria introduced the Damisa attack drone](https://www.military.africa/2025/04/nigerias-briech-uas-unveils-damisa-combat-drone/),
a kamikaze-style UAV built for combat missions. These advancements showcase Nigeria’s
growing expertise in unmanned systems, positioning it as a leader in this field 
among African nations. Ethiopia, meanwhile, is carving out its path in drone technology
with a focus on manufacturing. The country has established SkyWin Aeronautics Industries,
a state-run facility in Addis Ababa dedicated to producing drones for both civilian
and military purposes.

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![Ethiopia SkyWin Aeronautics Industries](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/
uploads/2025/03/drone-manufacturing-facility-in-ethiopia-v0-ra5x4s4bwine1-1024x640.
jpg)

Ethiopia’s indigenous SkyWin Aeronautics Industries drone freet.

According to NTU Singapore, this facility is designed to manufacture a range of 
unmanned systems, including those for intelligence, surveillance, defence, and offensive
operations. The drones produced at SkyWin are intended to serve Ethiopia’s domestic
needs while also targeting international markets, reflecting an ambitious vision
for the country’s aerospace industry. This investment in mass production complements
Nigeria’s operational experience, laying the groundwork for a partnership that could
combine the strengths of both nations. The idea of co-producing an indigenous African
UAV emerged as a centrepiece of the discussions, driven by a shared goal of harnessing
local capabilities to meet the continent’s security and technological needs.

Ethiopia is [no stranger to drone technology](https://www.military.africa/2022/06/ethiopian-military-drones-uav/).
The country already operates a [diverse fleet of UAVs](https://www.military.africa/2022/06/ethiopian-military-drones-uav/)
from international suppliers, including Israeli Bluebird Aerosystems, Chinese CH-
4, and [Iranian Mohajer-6 models](https://www.military.africa/2021/08/ethiopia-operating-iranian-made-mohajer-6-drone/?relatedposts_hit=1&relatedposts_origin=16512&relatedposts_position=0&relatedposts_hit=1&relatedposts_origin=16512&relatedposts_position=0).
These systems have played a key role in Ethiopia’s defence strategy, particularly
in addressing internal security challenges.

In 2022, the nation’s drone capabilities [drew attention](https://www.military.africa/2020/11/ethiopia-reveals-drones-used-in-tigray-war)
when Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) leader Getachew Reda alleged that the
United Arab Emirates was [supporting](https://www.military.africa/2020/11/tigray-uae-drones-supports-ethiopia)
Ethiopian forces with armed drones from its base in Assab, Eritrea. While these 
claims highlighted the strategic importance of drones in regional conflicts, Ethiopia’s
new manufacturing initiative aims to shift the narrative toward self-reliance.

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For Nigeria, with its established track record in deploying homegrown drones, and
Ethiopia, with its emerging manufacturing infrastructure, this collaboration offers
a chance to create a UAV tailored to African contexts. Such a project would not 
only enhance the defence capabilities of both nations but also demonstrate the potential
for African countries to work together on advanced technology initiatives. Air Marshal
Hasan Bala Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff of the Nigerian Air Force, captured 
the broader vision behind this partnership, stating, “Such engagements underscore
the NAF’s unwavering commitment to enhancing intra-African cooperation, fostering
indigenous capabilities, and boosting operational effectiveness through strategic
alliances.” His words reflect a growing recognition that collaboration is key to
unlocking Africa’s aerospace potential.

By pooling resources, expertise, and innovation, Nigeria and Ethiopia aim to move
beyond reliance on external partners and build a foundation for self-sufficiency
in defence technology. This partnership carries implications far beyond the immediate
goal of UAV co-production. It represents a model of how African nations can address
shared challenges through cooperation, leveraging their strengths to achieve collective
progress. The exchange of training opportunities, for instance, ensures that both
air forces can learn from each other, improving their ability to operate jointly
in the future. Meanwhile, the focus on indigenous development signals a shift toward
solutions that are designed and produced within Africa, reducing the financial and
logistical burdens of importing foreign equipment.

The road ahead will require both nations to navigate practical challenges, such 
as securing funding and aligning their technological and industrial capacities. 
Yet, the commitment shown during this visit, coupled with their existing achievements,
suggests a strong foundation for success. If realised, the co-production of an African
UAV could inspire similar efforts across the continent, encouraging other countries
to join in collaborative ventures. Beyond military applications, the technology 
developed through this partnership could find uses in civilian sectors, such as 
agriculture or disaster management, amplifying its impact on African development.
The engagement between the Nigerian and Ethiopian air forces from July 1 to July
3, 2025, is more than a bilateral exchange—it is a statement of intent.

By working together to advance UAV technology, these two nations are laying the 
groundwork for a new era of African aerospace innovation. Their efforts reflect 
a shared belief that the continent’s future lies in its ability to harness its talent
and resources, creating solutions that are not only practical but also uniquely 
African in their design and purpose.

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