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Nigeria develops unmanned coastal capability
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| 12 April 2006 |
Nigeria is developing a national coastal defence alignment based mainly on unmanned platforms, Jane's has learned.
Under a USD260 million contract signed in March, Israeli Aeronautics Defense Systems will design and build the naval array, providing manned and unmanned naval and aerial systems, coastal radars and command-and-control centres.
The array will be based on Aeronautics' Aerostar tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and the Seastar unmanned surface vehicle (USV). Three Aerostar systems will be provided, each including three to six platforms, and three Seastar systems, including several USVs.
Both systems are controlled through Aeronautics' Unmanned Multi-Application System terminal and software, which provide air vehicle and payload control and enable the integration of different sensors. The Aerostar, with 14 hours operational endurance, is equipped with Controp's Dual-Sensor Stabilised Payload DSP-1, providing day/night surveillance coverage.
The Nigerian Navy has faced an increasing number of attacks in recent months on the oil rigs in the Niger delta by various guerrilla groups. With an ageing fleet, mostly in an advanced stage of decay, the navy was seeking to reorganise its force to meet the threats under considerable budget restraints. In addition to the new surveillance alignment, the Nigerian Navy will establish three forward operating bases in the delta region and has procured six Defender-class fast response boats from SAFE Boats International.
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