Every nation takes pride in its Ministry of Defence, a pivotal institution responsible for safeguarding a country’s sovereignty against any external threats, military or otherwise. It is incumbent upon governments to ensure their armed forces are well-prepared, equipped with the necessary personnel, weaponry, and technology to respond to any incursions swiftly.
When one thinks of global leaders in defence manufacturing, countries like Israel, China, Germany, and the United States typically come to mind. However, Nigeria and South Africa have recently emerged as unexpected competitors, signaling Africa’s growing prominence in defence technology and manufacturing. This marks an impressive milestone for the continent, showcasing its ability to produce sophisticated offensive and defensive equipment.
The World Defence Show 2024 served as the stage for Africa’s burgeoning defence industry. The event, hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from the 4th to the 8th of February 2024, drew an international crowd of over 80,000 visitors and more than 1,000 exhibitors. African companies made a significant impression at this prestigious event, which featured the latest in defence innovation and technology.
Representing Nigeria were Proforce Defence and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), alongside South Africa’s Denel, Milkor, Hensoldt SA, and OTT Technologies. These companies demonstrated their expansive capabilities in land, naval, and aerial security, and also engaged in vital networking to explore business prospects with potential partners and clientele.
Proforce Defence, a front-runner in Nigeria’s defence sector, presented its array of defence products, including state-of-the-art drones and armoured vehicles. The company’s social media posts highlighted their advanced solutions in multiple security domains showcased at the Riyadh event.
Proforce’s exhibits included the Ara 2 MRAP, a robust vehicle engineered to resist mines and ambushes; the PF-2 Armoured Personnel Carrier, designed for versatility across various terrains; and advanced drones capable of reconnaissance and surveillance.
Milkor, a South African name synonymous with innovation in grenade launchers, unmanned systems, and cybersecurity, displayed its prowess with the Milkor 380 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and its accompanying tactical ground control station. Furthermore, Milkor’s recent manufacturing permit from Saudi Arabia positions the company to potentially assemble and produce aircraft within the kingdom, bolstering talks for UAV procurement with Saudi officials.
Andrew Pearcey, CEO of the World Defence Show, expressed his excitement about the Defense Space Arena, a new addition reflecting the burgeoning role of space in defence. The segment aimed to foster international collaboration, featuring pioneers in space exploration and technology, and highlighted the significance of space in national security.
The World Defence Show 2024 underscored Africa’s potential and current role as a competitive force in the global defence sector. The event not only provided a platform for product exhibition but also promoted collaboration within the international defence community. The show included live demonstrations, conferences, workshops, and networking events, with Nigeria’s Proforce Defence and DICON and South Africa’s Denel, Milkor, Hensoldt SA, and OTT Technologies proudly representing the continent.