Ekene Lionel

Africa

Director at Military Africa

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Articles

AFIT develops rifle-armed Hexacopter drone

6 days ago | military.africa | 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 in Lagos, Nigeria.
As Nigeria’s Airbus C-295 stalls, Embraer lobbies C-390 for transport contract

3 weeks ago | military.africa | Ekene Lionel

Nigeria’s efforts to modernise its air force have encountered a snag, as plans to acquire two Airbus C-295 transport aircraft have slowed. The Nigerian Air Force, tasked with addressing the country’s pressing need for improved troop mobility and logistical support, had pinned hopes on these aircraft to bolster its capabilities.
Four companies compete for Nigerian military air defence and radar contract

3 weeks ago | military.africa | Ekene Lionel

Nigeria is on a mission to strengthen its air defence and radar capabilities, a move driven by the growing need to protect its airspace from modern threats. The country’s Military Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (MTRACON) initiative lies at the core of this effort, aiming to modernise radar systems and enhance air surveillance and security.
Nigerian Navy commisions patrol boats and helicopters

3 weeks ago | military.africa | Ekene Lionel

On May 31, 2025, the Nigerian Navy celebrated its 69th anniversary with a ceremony at NNS Beecroft in Apapa, Lagos, where it commissioned three new patrol vessels and three AW109 Trekker helicopters. This event, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, who the Minister of State represented for Defence, Bello Matawalle, marked a key moment in the Navy’s efforts to modernise and strengthen its capabilities.
DICON partners D7G to ramp up arms production

1 month ago | military.africa | Ekene Lionel

In a strategic move to enhance Nigeria’s defense capabilities, the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has entered into a partnership with D7G Limited, a private sector player, to ramp up the production of arms, ammunition, and military vehicles. The collaboration, announced by DICON’s Director General, Major General Babatunde Alaya, during an interview in Kaduna, marks a pivotal step toward strengthening the country’s indigenous defense manufacturing sector.
Calidus looking to sell its B-250 light trainer and attack aircraft to Senegal

1 month ago | military.africa | Ekene Lionel

UAE-owned company Calidus is looking to sell its B-250 aircraft to the high command of the Senegalese Air Force, headed by General El Hadj Niang. The Calidus B-250 is a light attack and trainer aircraft developed by Calidus, and there are indications that Calidus is actively pursuing a potential sale to the Senegalese Air Force, but there’s no confirmation that Senegal has placed an order yet. The B-250 is designed for roles like close air support, counter-terrorism, and intelligence gathering.
Burkina Faso company unveils indigenous armoured vehicle at SYSDEF 2025

1 month ago | military.africa | Ekene Lionel

At the recently concluded SYSDEF 2025 defense exhibition in Burkina Faso, a new chapter in regional defense technology unfolded with the unveiling of an indigenous armored personnel carrier by BAT Équipements, a Burkinabe public limited company. Founded by Thierry Alain Belemkoabga, this enterprise has stepped into the spotlight with a vehicle designed to tackle the pressing security challenges plaguing the Sahel region, particularly the relentless threat of terrorism.
Ghana receives 14 PUMA M36 M3 MRAPS from the US

1 month ago | military.africa | Ekene Lionel

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has taken receipt of 14 Puma M36 Mk3 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) from the United States. The handover ceremony, held on May 8, 2025, at the 153 Armoured Regiment Square in Burma Camp, Accra, marks a pivotal moment in the longstanding security cooperation between Ghana and the United States. Valued at over $6 million, these vehicles are designed to bolster troop protection, mobility, and effectiveness in counter-terrorism and internal security operations.
AMENTUM trains Ghana soldiers on Puma MRAP

1 month ago | military.africa | Ekene Lionel

In a notable development for military cooperation and capacity building in West Africa, the United States Army has successfully trained a contingent of Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) personnel on the operation and maintenance of the Puma M36 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) armored vehicle.
Nigeria looks to China’s Norinco to bolster fledging air defence structure

1 month ago | military.africa | Ekene Lionel

In a bid to strengthen its air defense capabilities, Nigeria has turned to China’s Norinco for support. A delegation from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), led by Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, visited China from April 20 to 25, 2025. The visit aimed to deepen partnerships with leading Chinese defense firms, particularly in the areas of radar coverage and air defense systems.