• Agreement covers potential collaboration in training, autonomous systems, command and control, integrated security and cybersecurity

HAVELSAN and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos, establishing a framework for potential cooperation across defence and security technologies.

Announced by HAVELSAN on the occasion of the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye, the agreement adds a formal cooperation framework to the industrial discussions taking place during the inaugural exhibition.

The MoU covers potential collaboration in command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR); simulation and training; unmanned and autonomous systems; information and communication technologies; integrated security solutions; and cybersecurity.

HAVELSAN said the agreement would enable both organisations to explore technological cooperation, identify mutually beneficial projects and establish the groundwork for sustainable, long-term partnerships.

In its announcement, HAVELSAN said:

“We look forward to translating this shared vision into tangible projects and building a strong, enduring, and mutually beneficial partnership between Türkiye and Nigeria.”

The signing follows Wednesday’s Türkiye–Nigeria industrial cooperation panel, which examined joint development, manufacturing, investment, technology transfer and skills development.

During that discussion, HAVELSAN Vice President Şevket Ünal outlined the company’s approach to developing capability with local partners.

“Our model is very simple: Build together, produce together, and sustain together,” Ünal said, according to a News Agency of Nigeria report.

Proforce Managing Director Ade Ogundeyin also called for collaboration between international manufacturers and Nigerian defence companies, identifying simulation, software integration, maintenance and autonomous systems as opportunities for local development.

The HAVELSAN–DICON agreement forms part of a wider industrial cooperation agenda at AFRIDEX, connecting equipment requirements with the expertise, infrastructure and partnerships needed to sustain operational capability.

Airbornics Defence & Space Pvt. Ltd. (ADSL), the defence and aerospace division of India’s JCBL Group, is partnering with Nigus Hercules Limited to develop maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities in Nigeria.

The proposed programme covers armoured vehicles, engines and air defence equipment, supported by engineering expertise, specialist training and spares provision. The partners also envisage a Centre of Excellence for lifecycle support and upgrades, with implementation phased according to service requirements, facility readiness and technical training.

Nigeria’s production requirements have provided a clear context for these discussions. Speaking to The Guardian during the exhibition, Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, said Nigeria produces more than 50 million rounds of ammunition annually against a national requirement of about 300 million.

He identified investment, technology transfer and local technical expertise as priorities for expanding domestic capability.

Brigadier General (retired) Morakinyo Abiodun, a director at DICON-D7G, also outlined plans to inaugurate a military jetty at Tedi Island in Ojo, Lagos, by the end of November 2026. Speaking on the sidelines of AFRIDEX on 27 October, he said the planned facility would support the manufacture and assembly of military equipment.

International military engagements have addressed training, maritime security and operational cooperation. Italy’s Ministry of Defence reported that General Luciano Portolano’s meetings with Nigerian officials covered the finalisation of a bilateral defence cooperation agreement, alongside potential police training and Nigerian requirements for pilot, counter-drone and counter-IED training.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, held engagements with international delegations, including representatives from Poland, US Africa Command and Italy, on defence technology, equipment requirements, training and operational cooperation.

The UK’s participation reinforced the connection between security cooperation, skills, innovation and trade. A British High Commission statement issued on 28 October highlighted the UK–Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership and engagement between government, military and industry representatives.

These engagements formed part of the Strategic Conference on 27 and 28 October, which examined regional security, sovereign production, international partnerships and equipment support throughout its service life.

Today’s technical programme turns attention to maritime coordination, critical undersea infrastructure and space-enabled operations.

Maritime discussions address compatible systems, shared standards and information exchange for joint operations at sea, alongside surveillance and multinational coordination to protect critical undersea infrastructure.

Space sessions examine satellite communications, navigation and Earth observation for operational planning, air mobility and logistics visibility. The programme includes Peter Round of EarthDaily Analytics discussing global Earth observation and data suitable for artificial intelligence applications.

The exhibition and Hosted Delegation Programme continue today, providing further opportunities for government, military and industry representatives to discuss requirements, examine technologies and identify potential partners.

Organised by dmg events in partnership with DICON, and backed by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Ministry of Defence, AFRIDEX covers land, maritime, air, space and cyber capabilities. The exhibition concludes later today.