Could Turkish drones be the silver bullet in Nigeria's decade long war against insurgency. Turkey has in recent years become a major player when it comes to the world of drones. Weve seen what Turkish drones did in Syria.
In Libya, in what can be described as the largest drone war in the world we saw how the LNA's goal of seizing the capital Tripoli abruptly ended after Turkeys intervention with its Bayraktar drones. There is no doubt these drones will be of immense value to the Nigerian military
The relatively flat featureless terrain of the northeast means that ground units are easily spotted, with few natural barriers to hide. The Alpha jets and L-30ZA are valuable yet limited by numbers. Besides they antiquated platforms.
While manned fighter aircraft have been used for most part of the war the NAF needs to start considering the employment of unmanned aerial vehicles on a strategic level. UAVs are useful for several reasons. Not only do they provide valuable information about the enemy
..that can be spotted from standoff distances, they are able to attack targets immediately with a far higher rate of success. In the event a drone is shot down...BIG DEAL !..the pilot is safe, back at base and able to pilot the next drone that takes off.
Nigeria expended $650 million for 12 A-29 Super Tucanoes. Imagine of $100 million was allotted for the acquisition of armed attack drones. We will be looking at Squadrons of armed attack drones for a fraction the price of 12 A-29 prop jobs. It will be devastating for Boko Haram.
In Libya the introduction of China's wing Loong drone made a significant difference to the LNA's military capabilities. The drones had a decisive impact on the outcome as Haftar's forces battled the Shura Council of Mujaheedeens in a brutal confrontation for the city.
The Chinese Wing Long drone have a combat radius of 1,500km, meaning they can deliver precision guided missiles and bombs anywhere in the country. When Turkey sent its Bayrakta drones to Libya, they were able to engage and destroy NLA ground targets, harass its supply lines
Bayraktar Akıncı armed unmanned aerial vehicle produced by Turkish Baykar company. Azerbaijan is expected to import this Turkish-made military drones military financial agreement between Baku and Ankara for the purchase worth nearly $30 million.
If Nigeria can allot $650 million for the A-29 spending $50 million for armed drones will not break the bank. Contemplate the NAF operating two Squadrons of such drones in the northeast and northwest. The effect will be dramatic. Nigeria will be able to launch lightening
strikes at will round the clock. Their supply lines comprehensibly destroyed, leaving retreating insurgents with little to no protection from Nigerian air and ground forces. These assets will also be of immense value off the battlefield.
While airpower can at times turn the tide in a military conflict, it will be used by Nigeria as a threat level indicator, a diplomatic tool and a warning of potential escalation if events are left unchecked and Nigeria's patience and restraint is being tested by external actors.
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