In a strategic move aimed at boosting its national defense and addressing glaring weaknesses in its aerial surveillance and protection capabilities, Nigeria is turning to China, one of the world’s leading arms exporters, to help modernize its air defense systems. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the leadership of Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, recently concluded a high-level visit to China, underscoring a significant step forward in bilateral defense cooperation.
The week-long visit, which took place from April 20 to April 25, included stops in Beijing, Hefei, Nanjing, and Xi’an. The NAF delegation met with top executives and defense technologists from the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) and China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), two of China’s premier military contractors.
The central theme of the meetings revolved around the Military Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (MTRACON) initiative. This ambitious project aims to establish a comprehensive radar and air defense infrastructure capable of defending Nigeria’s airspace from both conventional and asymmetric threats. The visit featured demonstrations of advanced Chinese military technologies, including the Sky Dragon air defense system and high-energy laser counter-drone systems, which are already in use by several countries across Asia and Africa.
Air Vice Marshal Suleiman Kabir Usman, who represented the Chief of the Air Staff during part of the trip, emphasized the technical depth of the systems on display. He expressed confidence in China’s capacity to deliver technologies that meet the complex requirements of Nigeria’s strategic defense outlook. “The sustained engagement with Chinese defense firms will ensure long-term success and adaptability of our modernization efforts,” he stated.
In addition to equipment procurement, discussions also covered the training of NAF cadets in China and the possible establishment of a Radar Maintenance and Research Facility within Nigeria. The goal, according to officials, is to develop local capacity for maintaining and upgrading radar and defense systems, reducing reliance on foreign technical expertise.
Nigeria’s current air defense capabilities are outdated and inadequate for the scope of contemporary threats. The country operates a limited number of Roland II Short Range Air Defence (SHORAD) systems, acquired in the 1980s. These aging platforms are increasingly seen as incapable of countering modern challenges such as high-speed cruise missiles and stealthy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Other components of the NAF’s air defense inventory include Soviet-era ZSU-23-4 Shilka anti-aircraft systems and Skyguard Fire-Control Radars paired with Oerlikon GDF cannons. These systems offer minimal deterrence in the face of advanced airborne threats. The country’s radar infrastructure also suffers from poor coverage and technical obsolescence, making the airspace vulnerable to incursions.
Fighter aircraft numbers are similarly insufficient. The NAF fields only 12 F-7Ni “Airguard” jets and 3 JF-17 “Thunder” fighters. This limited fleet severely hampers Nigeria’s ability to achieve air superiority, carry out extended patrols, or provide adequate aerial support for ground operations.
The urgency of these upgrades cannot be overstated. Nigeria faces multifaceted security challenges, including persistent insurgencies by groups such as Boko Haram, increasing drone activity by non-state actors, and the risk of external aggression aimed at the country’s vital oil infrastructure.
China’s growing influence in Africa’s defense market is not new, but Nigeria’s latest engagements represent a significant deepening of ties. NORINCO, in particular, has aggressively pursued opportunities to expand its footprint on the continent. In 2020, Nigeria received a shipment of military hardware from NORINCO that included VT-4 main battle tanks, ST-1 tank destroyers, SH-2 and SH-5 self-propelled artillery systems, and tactical vehicles.
In 2015, Nigeria also took delivery of 120 NORINCO CS/VP3 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), which have since become a staple in counterinsurgency operations across the country. NORINCO’s recent establishment of a regional office in Dakar, Senegal, further highlights its long-term commitment to the West African defense market.
Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Cui Jian Chun, during a 2023 meeting with Nigeria’s then Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, emphasized Beijing’s interest in helping Nigeria develop its own military-industrial capacity. The move aligns with China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to deepen economic and strategic ties with key partners across the globe.
China’s strategy offers cost-effective, customizable, and scalable defense solutions that appeal to countries like Nigeria, where defense budgets are under pressure. The Chinese model also includes attractive terms for training, maintenance, and technology transfer, making it a preferred alternative to traditional Western suppliers who often impose stricter conditions and higher costs.
One of the critical gaps identified in Nigeria’s defense architecture is the lack of comprehensive radar coverage. The Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) project, launched years ago with assistance from European partners, was aimed at enhancing civil aviation radar infrastructure. However, its military counterpart, MTRACON, has lagged behind due to funding constraints and technological limitations.
The current engagement with CETC and NORINCO is expected to change that. CETC, in particular, is known for its expertise in phased-array radar systems and integrated command and control networks. By partnering with CETC, Nigeria hopes to deploy a radar grid that can monitor both low- and high-altitude threats across its extensive territory.
Chinese experts reportedly presented integrated systems capable of linking radar installations to command centers and interceptor units in real time, allowing for faster response times and coordinated defense actions. This type of network-centric defense capability represents a significant leap forward for the NAF.
Another crucial area of focus is the development of human capital. The NAF is keen to establish exchange programs that would allow cadets and technical personnel to receive training in Chinese military academies and factories. This would not only improve operational readiness but also lay the groundwork for future self-reliance.
Plans for a domestic Radar Maintenance and Research Facility are also in the works. Such a facility would enable Nigerian engineers and technicians to carry out diagnostics, repairs, and upgrades on radar systems without having to send equipment abroad. Over time, this could foster innovation and the adaptation of systems to Nigeria’s specific operational environment.
Nigeria’s move toward Chinese defense technology carries significant geopolitical implications. It marks a shift away from traditional Western defense partners and places Nigeria firmly within a growing bloc of countries relying on Chinese systems. This could impact future defense alignments and influence broader regional security dynamics.
Furthermore, as the largest economy and most populous nation in Africa, Nigeria’s defense posture has a cascading effect on neighboring countries. A more secure Nigeria is better positioned to lead regional peacekeeping efforts, secure trade routes, and combat transnational threats.
The NAF’s modernization drive also complements broader government efforts to enhance the country’s security infrastructure. Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of indigenizing defense production and reducing dependency on foreign systems.
The recent high-level engagement between the Nigerian Air Force and leading Chinese defense firms signals more than a procurement deal; it marks the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s military capabilities.
By investing in advanced air defense technologies, comprehensive radar coverage, and local capacity development, Nigeria is laying the foundation for a modern, responsive, and resilient national defense architecture. While challenges remain, particularly in funding and integration, the direction is clear: Nigeria is stepping into a new era of military self-reliance and strategic autonomy, with China playing a pivotal role in that transformation.
