In a move poised to bolster the nation’s defence capabilities, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has teamed up with D7G to launch production of the DG-103 assault rifle through their joint venture, DICON-D7G. This development, announced during the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Summit in Abuja from August 25 to 27, 2025, represents a concrete step toward reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported weaponry. Lt Colonel Edet Okon (retired), Assistant Director of Production at D7G, shared details with media attendees at the event, emphasizing the partnership’s role in harnessing domestic resources to meet military demands.
The DG-103 stands as a domestically licensed version of the renowned Russian Kalashnikov AK-103, a modern iteration of the classic AK series designed for reliability in diverse combat scenarios. Production is slated to commence in September 2025 at the joint venture’s facility in Kaduna, where assembly lines will ramp up to deliver these rifles to Nigerian forces and potentially beyond. Osman Chennar, CEO of DICON-D7G, outlined the phased approach during a briefing at the summit. Phase one involves inaugurating the main factory this week, setting the stage for rifle manufacturing next month. By December, an ammunition plant will come online, capable of outputting between five and 15 million rounds weekly, with annual targets reaching 60 million units from the joint venture and an extra 30 million from DICON across various calibres. These efforts, fully funded by D7G, aim to supply not only African markets but also international buyers.
Looking ahead, phase three will expand operations to include unmanned aerial vehicles, bombs, and rockets, further diversifying Nigeria’s homegrown arsenal. The joint venture anticipates producing more than one million DG-103 rifles over time, establishing a steady supply chain tailored to regional security needs. This ambitious scale underscores Nigeria’s intent to position itself as a key player in defence manufacturing on the continent.
At its core, the DG-103 mirrors the AK-103’s proven design, chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge and featuring a 7.62mm calibre barrel. It employs a gas-operated mechanism with a rotating bolt, delivering a cyclic rate of fire of around 600 rounds per minute. Muzzle velocity clocks in at 715 meters per second, enabling effective engagement up to 350 meters in standard conditions or extending to 500 meters for point targets. The rifle feeds from a 30-round detachable box magazine, with iron sights as standard, complemented by a dovetail side rail for attaching optical, night vision, or other aiming devices.
Versatility defines the DG-103’s appeal; it accommodates a knife-bayonet or under-barrel grenade launchers such as the GP-34 equivalent. Updated models incorporate Picatinny rails, facilitating the addition of modern accessories like tactical lights, lasers, or foregrips. Construction prioritises durability and lightness, incorporating high-strength plastic for components including the pistol grip, handguards, folding stock, and magazines in certain variants. Metal parts receive protective coatings to resist corrosion, ensuring performance in Nigeria’s varied climates, from humid coastal areas to arid northern zones.
In its original Russian form, the AK-103 has seen service with elite units such as Spetsnaz GRU, Special Operations Forces, select airborne troops, naval infantry, the Wagner Group, Alpha Group, and internal ministry police squads. This track record in high-stakes operations highlights the rifle’s robustness, which Nigerian engineers aim to replicate and adapt for local use. Lt Col. Okon noted during the summit that Nigeria possesses the expertise and infrastructure to fabricate such equipment, with the exhibition demonstrating Kaduna’s factory readiness.
The unveiling of DICON-D7G’s headquarters in Abuja this week marks a milestone in this strategic alliance, aimed at curbing foreign arms imports and transforming Nigeria into a defence production centre. By localising manufacturing, the partnership promises economic gains through job creation, skill development, and foreign exchange savings. It aligns with broader calls at the summit for African nations to prioritise indigenous solutions amid ongoing threats like terrorism in the Sahel, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and insurgencies across vulnerable states.
In February 2024, DICON announced that it had resumed the production of arms and ammunition after years of suspension, following a series of reforms and funding from the government and foreign partners. DICON, the state-owned corporation responsible for the production and supply of defence equipment to the Nigerian military and other security agencies, had been facing operational and financial challenges that hampered its ability to meet the country’s defence needs.
The summit itself, attended by 37 defence chiefs, focused on collaborative strategies under the theme of countering modern threats through partnerships. General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, closed the event by urging participants to act on discussions covering border management, joint operations, intelligence sharing, and the integration of technologies like artificial intelligence for early warning systems. Maritime security for trade routes in key waters also featured prominently, alongside efforts to finance defence via local industries and public-private ties.
This push for self-reliance resonates deeply in a continent where external dependencies have often hampered responses to crises. With the DG-103 project, Nigeria demonstrates practical progress, equipping its forces with reliable tools while fostering innovation.