The Nigerian Air Force on Thursday introduced its indigenously developed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, “ TSAIGUMI ” with President Muhammadu Buhari full of praises for the feat.
Described as a vital equipment for information gathering by military operations, the UAE, if also weaponised is capable of choosing the best moment to engage the enemy.
Applauding the Nigeria Air Force, during the induction which was carried out in Kaduna, the president urged the military to move to the next stage which is the mass production of the equipment.
He expressed hope that the equipment would be exported later on.
The president said the equipment was very relevant judging by the increasing use of the device in military operations.
He said unlike other air weapons like missiles and fighter bombers that were useful in a conventional war, the UAE was useful in addressing unconventional warfare.
His words: “It is a pleasure to be here with you all for the induction of the Nigerian Air Force Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, ‘ TSAIGUMI ’, Nigeria’s first indigenously developed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The significance of this accomplishment as a milestone of national technological development cannot be over-estimated. In this regard, I must commend the efforts of the current leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, notably the Chief of Air Staff who is performing his assignments wonderfully well.
“ As you are aware, the world is witnessing an ever increasing surge in the employment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in military operations. This is because while standard air weapons such as missiles, fighters and bombers work against well-defined targets like conventional enemy forces or installations, they are not as useful in today’s complex wars that are fought against adversaries who are often hidden amongst innocent populations or in locations similarly sensitive or difficult to strike by normal conventional means.
“Unmanned Aerial Vehicle can loiter and maintain an ‘‘unblinking stare’’ over a chosen area for hours. Thanks to the ability to ‘‘watch and wait’’, its operator, often miles away, can provide a continuous stream of vital information on enemy activities and if the platform is weaponised, it patiently chooses the best moment to engage.
“Thus the employment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle capabilities for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and where possible, strike operations significantly increases the chances of success while minimising unwanted collateral damage.”
The president, at the occasion, reiterated the commitment of his administration to ensuring safety of lives and property.
Also stressing the significance of the need to ensure continued growth of the nation, he called on all Nigerians to join hands in the efforts.
According to him, government remained determined, despite numerous challenges to bring about the much-needed Change that would make the nation a major economic and political force on the world stage.
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He explained that part of government’s efforts to achieve its goals was to enable enterprise and the improvement of the quality of life through massive improvement of national infrastructure.
He said already, his administration had designed series of key projects to dramatically overhaul national infrastructure and overcome the deficit in that vital area.
Acknowledging the significance of the role of the military in ensuring security and conducive atmosphere through its operations for development, Buhari commended the military for “defeating Boko Haram and all other threats to our nation’s security.”
He commended the Nigerian Air Force’ leadership for the feat it had attained on Research and Development
He said the leadership’s drive, determination and unwavering support brought about numerous significant innovations, not least of which was the TSAIGUMI .
“It is indeed most gratifying that the Nigerian Air Force has gone a step further than simply acquiring them, to developing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle capabilities with indigenous technology. This outstanding accomplishment, which we are gathered today, holds promise of both military and economic benefit to the nation.
“From the military perspective, the added capacity for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance provided by the TSAIGUMI will boost ongoing and future security operations. As this project moves into the next stage, which is mass production, it would create employment and possibly generate revenue as Nigeria’s first military export product.
“The attainment of this technological feat is an indication that there is indeed potential to similarly apply the same innovative mindset to addressing other areas of indigenous technological need.
“While I commend the Nigerian Air Force for this accomplishment, I enjoin you not to rest on this achievement but to strive harder in your Research and Development efforts for greater innovation. Be assured of this administration’s support towards the attainment of greater technological milestones for our nation,” he said.
