For Improved Maritime Security, Naval Unveiled Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The ceremony took place on Friday, at the Nigerian Navy’s Naval Air Base in Navy Town, Ojo.
The Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Zakariyyah Muhammad, representing the Chief of Naval Staff, conducted the commissioning.

Muhammad noted that the newly commissioned surveillance UAVs will enhance the Nigerian Navy’s air capabilities, complementing existing assets.
He added, “In an era where the nature of warfare is evolving rapidly, embracing cutting-edge technologies becomes imperative for enhancing our national security. These UAVS, with their advanced capabilities and versatility, will undoubtedly enhance our naval surveillance for furtherance of strategic capabilities. I have no doubt that this will rejig the Nigerian Navy towards better service delivery in the maritime domain of our dear Country.

Ogalla also commended the efforts of the Western Naval Command for innovative and dogged efforts towards maintaining credible maritime presence and curtailing criminalities in her Air Base

Speaking further, he disclosed that Nigerian Navy is expecting 5 more helicopters within the First Quarter of next year, 2024 which would enhance Nigerian Navy’s maritime capabilities. This would safer waters for both local and international maritime trade.

Also speaking, Alhaji Ahmed Nakura, the contractor responsible for the building of the drones, commended the Nigerian Navy for placing a high priority on securing the maritime domain, including the Gulf of Guinea.

He said, “Today is a momentous occasion as we gather here to commemorate the commissioning and delivery of 12 CTS Ovation UAVs to the Nigerian Navy.

“This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen your nation’s maritime security and defence capabilities. These state-of-the art unmanned aerial vehicles represent a leap forward in your commitment to safeguarding your maritime borders and protecting your national interests.

“The Nigerian Navy has a rich history of safeguarding your coastal waters and ensuring the security and prosperity of your nation. As we commission these 12 CTS Ovation UAVs, we are not just delivering new equipment; we are ushering in a new era of maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, and defence.

“These UAVs will play a crucial role in enhancing your naval capabilities and ensuring the safety and security of your waters. In an era where maritime security is pivotal to national safety and economic stability, the role of advanced technology cannot be overstated. Nigeria’s strategic position along the Gulf of Guinea, a vital shipping route, necessitates robust and versatile maritime surveillance capabilities.”

Speaking earlier, Commodore Stephen Ega, the Navy Airwaves Commander, introduced the updated Local Operating Procedure and Local Training Order for approval.

1. He also commended the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) for enabling the utilization of drones.
   Ega added that the drones UAVs will complement efforts of the existing helicopters in operation.
   “This occasion also provides me the opportunity to present the revised Local Operating Procedure as well as Local Training Order for adoption.

• Before we proceed, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the CNS Vice Admiral EI Ogalla for procuring the UAVs, his magnanimous support to NN Air Arm and to the Base in particular.
  The commissioning of this UAV squadron represents a quantum leap in our naval operations. These advanced UAVs are force multipliers that will enhance our reconnaissance, surveillance, and maritime security capabilities of the NN fleet like never before.

The UAVs would also complement the already existing helicopters by increasing our surveillance capabilities with enhanced real time Maritime pictures,” he said.

Rear Admiral Mustapha Bala Hassan, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, highlighted that incorporating UAVs with surface ships, aircraft, and Special Forces will enhance Maritime Domain Awareness capabilities, complementing facilities like RMAC and FALCON EYE.

“The integration of the UAVs with surface ships, aircraft and Special Forces would complement the Maritime Domain Awareness facilities such as RMAC and FALCON EYE.

“Thereby serving as force multipliers to cover blind spots in the back waters which RMAC and FALCON EYE hitherto do not adequately cover.

“The introduction of these advanced UAVs to our naval fleet underscores our commitment to embrace innovation and technology in the maritime domain.”