The Nigerian Air Force is planning to
complete the development of an
unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) that
can detonate high-calibre improvised
explosive devices (IEDs). The speedy
completion of the robot
has been hampered by a lack of
adequate funds. Developed by the
Nigerian Airforce Institute of
Technology (Nafit), the UGV is claimed
to be the first of its type on the
African continent. Nafit commandant
Toni Adokwe was quoted by the
Nigerian Tribune as saying that the
robot is expected to enhance the
success of security agents in the fight
against rebellion.
Adokwe said: "When the project is
completed, the robot would go a long
way in countering activities of terrorist
groups, as detonation of bombs will
not require the physical presence of a
human being at the scene."
Nafit developed the Gulma unmanned
aerial vehicle (UAV) last year, which is
being used by the defence
headquarters for surveillance and
intelligence gathering in crisis-prone
regions. Developed in collaboration
with Cranfield University's aerospace
engineers, the indigenous drone can
be modified for aerial imaging/
mapping, telecommunications and
weather monitoring missions, among
others. The Nigerian Air Force has
also manufactured Amebo I, II and III
UAVs in the last two years for
intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
Adokwe said that the allocation of
proper funding would enable Nigeria
to attain higher base in military
aviation and defence-related
technology. Established in 1979, Nafit
conducts research and Nigerian Air Force to accelerate IED-
detonating robo
postgraduate engineering programmes
in aerospace, aeronautical and allied
sectors.



www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsnigerian-air-force-to-accelerate-ied-detonating-robot-4334952

Honestly, must they announce everything, why not build the damn thing and put it to use first