Home West Africa Nigeria Partners with China to Launch Local Production of Military Ammunition and...

Nigeria Partners with China to Launch Local Production of Military Ammunition and Boost Defense Capabilities

36
Nigeria Partners with China to Launch Local Production of Military Ammunition and Boost Defense Capabilities

(3 Minutes Read)

Nigeria is poised to commence domestic production of military-grade ammunition through a strategic partnership with China’s leading defense manufacturer, Norinco. The agreement, unveiled by Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle during a visit to China, entails the construction of local production lines for various ammunition types and the servicing of military equipment—marking a major advance in Nigeria’s defense self-sufficiency.

The collaboration follows a high-level visit by Norinco officials to Abuja in March and has culminated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). The MoU outlines commitments to transfer advanced military technologies, establish manufacturing facilities, and provide technical training for Nigerian personnel.

Key initiatives under the deal include the local production of 7.62×51mm ball and blank cartridges, 9×19mm pistol rounds, and machine gun ammunition, as well as the maintenance and modernization of existing military assets such as battle tanks.

Further strengthening ties, Nigerian Air Force Chief Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar led a delegation to China to explore advanced air defense technologies with companies like CETC and Norinco. Discussions focused on radar coverage systems and high-tech defense solutions, including anti-drone laser systems and the Sky Dragon air defense system.

Read Also;

http://trendsnafrica.com/israel-company-bluebird-to-open-defense-production-base-in-morocco/

This agreement is part of China’s broader strategy to deepen its military footprint in Africa through initiatives like the Peace Unity-2024 project, which promotes regional security through training, joint exercises, and technology transfer. The Nigeria-China defense partnership highlights China’s growing role in shaping Africa’s security landscape.