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Sahel security, African Union missions, and African defense procurement.

21 articles indexed · 21 in archive

Chinese copy of Russia's Tor air defense system seen in Algerian colors

Photographs circulating on Chinese social media show an HQ-17 short-range air-defense vehicle in camouflage matching Algerian military equipment, with Chinese sources claiming it is destined for Algeria. Neither Algeria nor manufacturer CASIC has confirmed a sale, and the quantity and delivery date remain unknown, so the imagery indicates a possible acquisition rather than proven operational service. Developed from Russia's Tor-M1 concept, the mobile system carries its own radar and eight missiles and is designed to engage aircraft, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles, guided bombs, and air-to-surface weapons.

aviationweek.comSep 25

AfricaLand

Ethiopia appears to receive Chinese FK-2000 air defense systems

Social-media footage appears to show at least two Chinese-built FK-2000 short-range air-defence systems moving toward Ethiopia's Amhara region, possibly after delivery through the United Arab Emirates. Each system combines 12 surface-to-air missiles with a stated range of about 25 kilometres and twin 30 mm guns. Open-source analysts assess that the units may be intended to protect Bahir Dar Airport, where Ethiopian and reportedly UAE-operated drones are based.

militarytimes.comSep 24

AfricaDrones

South African firm unveils V-Raven unmanned aircraft

South African defence company Paramount unveiled the V-Raven, a reusable vertical-take-off-and-landing unmanned aircraft developed from its earlier N-Raven design. The petrol-powered version is advertised with up to eight hours of endurance and a range of 1,200 kilometres, while the electric model offers shorter endurance and range. The initial configuration carries electro-optical sensors for day-and-night ISR and automatic target tracking. A planned armed variant carrying precision-guided glide munitions remains under development and testing.

Army TechnologySep 22

AfricaAir

Russia's Su-57 skips external fuel tanks for Egypt flight

Russia's United Aircraft Corporation said an Su-57 flew to Egypt using removable fuel tanks installed inside its weapons bays instead of conventional external drop tanks. The arrangement extended ferry range while preserving external aerodynamics and avoiding the additional radar signature created by underwing tanks. It also occupied internal volume normally available for weapons, making the configuration most relevant to transit rather than combat. The flight supported Su-57E export marketing at the El Alamein air show, but the manufacturer's performance claims and customer-delivery statements remain only partly disclosed.

Defence BlogSep 17

AfricaAir

Bell starts production of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for Nigeria

Bell began production of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for Nigeria, marking the transition from approved sale and planning into physical manufacturing. The twin-engine aircraft will provide precision attack, armed reconnaissance, and escort capabilities while sharing components with the UH-1Y family. Production must be followed by mission-system integration, acceptance testing, training, and establishment of a sustainable maintenance pipeline before operational use. The program will significantly expand Nigerian rotary-wing combat capacity, although delivery timing and readiness will depend on workforce preparation, support equipment, spares, and weapons availability.

Army RecognitionSep 17

AfricaDrones

Paramount launches V-Raven VTOL ISR and light attack UAV

Paramount launched the V-Raven vertical-takeoff-and-landing UAV at AAD 2026 for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and planned light-attack missions. The petrol version has a 65-kilogram maximum takeoff weight, up to eight hours of endurance, 1,200-kilometre range and a 150-kilometre control link; an electric option trades endurance for lower-signature operation. Developed from the earlier N-Raven concept, the returnable aircraft uses an electro-optical sensor and is planned to carry precision glide munitions, allowing deployment from dispersed locations without runways or catapults.

JanesSep 16

AfricaAir

Two AGM-190As Fired Recently in AFRICOM, LRIP for 45 Underway

Air Force Special Operations Command recently fired two Leidos AGM-190A Havoc Spear cruise missiles from an AC-130J against ground targets in the U.S. Africa Command area, marking confirmed combat employment of the weapon. Leidos is producing 45 missiles under a $27 million low-rate initial production contract and plans to deliver them by fall 2027. The powered, 200-pound-class weapon uses Pratt & Whitney's TJ150 engine; current LRIP rounds cost about $600,000, while AFSOC is targeting an eventual all-up-round price between $200,000 and $350,000.

Defense DailySep 15

AfricaNaval

VESSEL REVIEW | P203 & P204 – Nigerian Navy welcomes new 76-metre offshore patrol vessels into service

The Nigerian Navy commissioned two 76-metre offshore patrol vessels identified as P203 and P204. The ships displace roughly 1,100 tonnes and carry a Leonardo 40 mm gun, an Aselsan SMASH 30 mm remote weapon station and two 12.7 mm STAMP mounts. Their missions include offshore surveillance, law enforcement, protection of economic resources and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. The additions expand Nigeria’s persistent patrol capacity against piracy, smuggling and illegal fishing, while their practical availability will depend on crew training, maintenance support and sustained operating funds.

bairdmaritime.comSep 14

AfricaNaval

Spanish builder to supply patrol crewboats for operation in Gulf of Guinea

Spain's Aresa Shipyard signed a long-term contract with an undisclosed UK-based oil-and-gas and crew-transfer company to supply coastal patrol crewboats for the Gulf of Guinea. The 20-metre vessels will combine offshore personnel transport and security work, with a maximum speed of 40 knots, a range of 600 nautical miles and capacity for 20 passengers plus two crewmembers. Equipment will include an armoured cabin, ballistic glass, electro-optical and infrared surveillance, and advanced navigation and communications systems, with additional roles including interception and search and rescue. The agreement forms part of a progressive fleet-renewal programme, and delivery of the first vessel is scheduled for May 2027.

bairdmaritime.comSep 14

AfricaDrones

EDGE Delivers HT-100 NAVAL VTOL UAV to Angola

EDGE Group completed factory acceptance trials and delivered six ANAVIA HT-100 NAVAL unmanned helicopters to the Angolan Navy under a €1 billion naval programme signed in February 2023. Trials held in Bilten, Switzerland, from August 24 to 28 included the first operational flights of all six aircraft. Two VTOL systems will be integrated with the combat management system of each of Angola's three 71-metre BR71 MK II corvettes, carrying electro-optical/infrared sensors for maritime surveillance and reconnaissance. Integration aboard the ships will be followed by sea trials in Angola before the combined capability enters operational service.

Naval NewsSep 11

AfricaIndustry

Turkish defense firm MKE enters Egyptian market, sets up subsidiary

Turkey's state-owned defense manufacturer MKE established a subsidiary in Egypt, creating a formal base for local business development and industrial cooperation. MKE produces ammunition, small arms, artillery and other weapon systems, giving the new entity several potential areas for sales, licensed production or joint projects. The move fits growing Turkish-Egyptian defense engagement and could support local supply and maintenance if contracts follow. The announcement did not specify capitalization, factory locations, products to be made, customer orders, employment or a timetable for production in the country.

dailysabah.comSep 9

AfricaNaval

South Africa's SAS Manthatisi submarine returns to active service after fatal 2023 incident

The South African Navy declared Heroine-class submarine SAS Manthatisi deployable again on September 1, 2026, after Operational Sea Training certification and participation in Exercise Red Lion. Its return follows engineering checks, equipment inspections and revised safety procedures introduced after a September 2023 training accident killed three sailors. Manthatisi is currently South Africa's sole active Type 209/1400MOD submarine; sister boats SAS Charlotte Maxeke and SAS Queen Modjadji I remain in a R136 million first-phase refit programme. The certification restores short-term availability but does not complete Manthatisi's still-outstanding mid-life modernisation.

Army RecognitionSep 6

AfricaLand

In Burkina Faso, Sky Dragon 30 missiles point to China's military export inroads

Burkina Faso has publicly shown a Chinese-made Sky Dragon 30 surface-to-air missile system for the first time in footage released by the presidential office. The images depict multiple missiles launched from a mobile firing unit alongside a matching search radar, indicating a coordinated air-defense trial rather than a static display. The government did not specify when or where the firing occurred. The appearance confirms a new short-to-medium-range air-defense capability for the country, although the number of launchers acquired, delivery schedule, operating unit, and readiness status remain undisclosed.

scmp.comSep 4

AfricaLand

Burkina Faso unveils air-defence system

Burkina Faso unveiled a new air-defence system. The system enhances the country's ability to counter aerial threats. The reveal reflects growing Sahel state investment in air defense. It signals evolving regional security dynamics amid insurgency challenges.

JanesSep 2

AfricaDrones

Angola takes delivery of six Swiss-made HT-100 drones

Angola took delivery of six Swiss-made HT-100 drones. The unmanned systems enhance the country's surveillance and reconnaissance capacity. The acquisition reflects growing African interest in tactical UAS. Delivery marks a milestone in Angola's defense modernization.

Defence BlogSep 2

AfricaAir

U.S. Boosts Morocco F-16 Block 72 Fighter Jets Combat Readiness with New Full-Mission Trainers

The US is supplying Morocco with new full-mission trainers for its F-16 Block 72 fleet. The simulators enhance pilot readiness and combat proficiency. They support integration of advanced fighter capabilities. The effort strengthens Moroccan air force training infrastructure.

Army RecognitionSep 1

AfricaAir

Algeria deploys fighter jets to Niamey

Algeria deployed fighter jets to Niamey, Niger. The move signals expanded regional military engagement in the Sahel. It reflects shifting security alignments in West Africa. The deployment enhances Algerian air presence beyond its borders.

JanesSep 1

AfricaAir

Export potential? Chinese YY-20 refuels Egyptian Rafale in cross-platform drill

A Chinese YY-20 tanker refueled an Egyptian Rafale in a cross-platform drill. The event demonstrates interoperability between Chinese and Western aircraft. It hints at export potential for the YY-20 refueling aircraft. The exercise reflects deepening China-Egypt defense ties.

scmp.comSep 1

AfricaAir

Akıncı drones keep hunting Chinese-made CH-95s over Sudan

Turkish Akıncı drones continue hunting Chinese-made CH-95 UAVs over Sudan. The engagements highlight drone-versus-drone attrition in the conflict. Details Turkish and Chinese UAS combat use.

Defence BlogAug 17

AfricaIndustry

Morocco Orders 7 Ukraine-Tested Rheinmetall Mobile Field Hospitals for Combat Care

Morocco ordered 7 Rheinmetall mobile field hospitals combat-proven in Ukraine. Systems provide role 2 medical treatment capability in expeditionary settings. Reflects growing Morocco-Rheinmetall relationship. Adds to broader Moroccan Army modernization efforts.

Army RecognitionJul 6

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