The Nigerian Air Force joined China and the UAE to announce the acquisition of 2 WingLoong II Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV).
This was announced on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information Headquarters Nigerian Air, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola. The Nigerian Airforce expects 6 other UCAVs by early 2021.
Nigeria has joined China & UAE as the only countries operating the WingLoong II Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle. The 2 x @NigAirForce WingLoong II, which can remain airborne for 31hrs in ISR mode & 26hrs in offensive role, will add significant value to COIN & anti-banditry Ops /1 pic.twitter.com/gOOdUKtRau
— Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola (@KunleDaramola3) November 10, 2020
Air Commodore Daramola announced that the acquisition of the 2 unmanned carriers will significantly boost Nigeria’s operations in the war against terrorism. He also disclosed that the WingLoong 3 has the capacity to remain in operations for over 24 hours.
“Nigeria has joined China & UAE as the only countries operating the WingLoong II Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle.
“The 2 x Nigerian Air Force WingLoong II, which can remain airborne for 31hrs in ISR mode & 26hrs in offensive role, will add significant value to COIN & anti-banditry Ops,” he said.
Developed by Chinese Arms manufacturer – Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG), the costs per unit is between $1 million to $2 million compared to the MQ-9 Reaper’s $30 million.
The NAF spokesman announced that the Air Force has trained nearly 200 pilots, engineers, and others to bridge gaps in capability and capacity that have made Nigeria vulnerable to asymmetrical threats.
“Close to 200 NAF pilots, engineers, and technicians are undergoing training in nine different countries as part of efforts to bridge decades of gaps in capability and capacity that have made Nigeria vulnerable to asymmetrical threats.
“These additional new air assets and skills acquired by personnel will greatly enhance the Nigerian Air Force’s operational effectiveness, which will translate into security for Nigeria and Nigerians,” Daramola said.
