Nigeria, Senegal, and Mali have emerged as the primary drivers of a 13 per cent increase in sub-Saharan African arms imports, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). While overall continental defence spending fell by 41 per cent between the 2016-2020 and 2021-2025 periods, West African nations are bucking the trend to address persistent insurgencies and maritime threats.
Nigeria remains the largest importer in the sub-region, accounting for 16 per cent of all regional purchases and 34 per cent of major arms imports into West Africa. The Nigerian government is currently executing a massive recapitalisation of its air force and navy to combat Boko Haram and communal violence. This includes a €1.2 billion agreement with Italy’s Leonardo for 24 M-346FA fighter aircraft, a multi-role platform designed for close air support and air-to-air combat.
The United States Department of State recently cleared a $346 million package for Nigeria featuring precision-guided munitions and rockets, verified on 10 March 2026. This follows the $997 million procurement of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, a deal that includes spares, weapons, and logistical support. The Nigerian Navy also bolstered its littoral capabilities by taking delivery of three AgustaWestland AW-109 Trekker helicopters from the Ministry of Defence to improve maritime surveillance.
Senegal has risen to become the second largest importer in sub-Saharan Africa, representing 8.8 per cent of regional volume. Its procurement strategy focuses heavily on protecting offshore energy infrastructure and enhancing border readiness. Recent acquisitions include Puma M36 armoured personnel carriers from South Africa and three offshore patrol vessels named Walo, Niani, and Cayor.
In 2025, Senegal further committed to a €317 million defence agreement with a Turkish supplier to improve operational readiness. This shift toward Turkish hardware mirrors a broader regional trend where Ankara is challenging traditional European and Russian market shares. Senegal previously accounted for 79 per cent of France’s major arms exports to West Africa, but it is increasingly diversifying its supplier base.
Mali ranks third in the region, with an 8 per cent share of imports, marking a 210 per cent increase in its procurement volume since 2013. Following coups in 2020 and 2021, Bamako pivoted sharply toward Moscow as Western nations grew reluctant to supply lethal aid. Russia now provides roughly 54 per cent of Mali’s major arms, including Sukhoi Su-25 ground attack jets, Mi-35M attack helicopters, and T-72 main battle tanks.
Diversification of Unmanned Systems
The proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across West Africa shows a shift toward high-tech, lower-cost surveillance and strike capabilities. Nigeria has deployed Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones for counter-insurgency, while its police force uses South African ALTI Transition UAVs and Chinese AR-500B airborne unmanned helicopters. Mali has also expanded its reach with the TB2 and reportedly acquired the Akinci, a long-range combat drone capable of carrying heavier payloads than its predecessor.
China has solidified its position as a top-tier supplier, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of African arms imports. Beyond drones like the CH-3 and CH-4, Beijing has supplied Nigeria with VT4 main battle tanks and ST1 wheeled tank destroyers. These platforms offer a modern alternative to ageing Soviet-era stocks, providing the Nigerian Army with its first truly modern armoured strike capability.
The operational implications of these purchases are immediate. The influx of precision-guided munitions and advanced sensors allows regional militaries to conduct more targeted strikes against non-state actors, potentially reducing collateral damage.
These procurement trends show no signs of slowing as regional powers seek to fill capability gaps in aerial firefighting, maritime patrol, and border interdiction. Nigeria’s upcoming delivery of the remaining M-346FA jets will likely serve as the next major milestone in the region’s ongoing force modernisation.