Niger reportedly orders 5 Turkish drones in $87M deal

Niger has placed an 80 million euros ($87.56 million) order for five Turkish drones, according to a report by the French news site Africa Intelligence. The purchase is part of the West African country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military and strengthen its defense capabilities.

The deal involves unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Türkiye’s defense sector, known for its advanced military technology, particularly the Bayraktar TB2.

Turkish drones in high demand

Niger’s interest in Turkish defense technologies is part of a broader trend in Africa, where Turkish drones have gained popularity for their reliability and effectiveness in various combat and surveillance operations.

Africa Intelligence reported that Niger’s order is linked to a deal with Turkish drone manufacturer Lentatek, and sources suggest the purchase will include military drones for reconnaissance and combat operations.

Niger’s expanding defense portfolio

The deal is not Niger’s first venture into Turkish military technology. Niger has previously shown interest in other Turkish defense products, including the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) and the Hurkus light attack aircraft, produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). In 2022, TAI confirmed that Niger had ordered two Hurkus aircraft, with plans to deliver them by the end of the year.

Türkiye’s growing influence in Africa

Türkiye has increased its military exports to African nations in recent years, strengthening ties across the continent. Orhan Karaoglu, an international relations expert, highlighted that Türkiye’s strategic engagement in Africa, particularly in countries like Libya and Somalia, has bolstered its influence.

“Türkiye is enhancing its security access across Africa and supporting counterterrorism efforts in several states, including Niger, Nigeria, and Mauritania,” Karaoglu said.

Broader economic cooperation

Beyond defense, Türkiye and Niger are expanding cooperation in other sectors, including energy and mining. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar recently noted that a Turkish state-owned company has been active in gold mining in Niger since 2020 and that plans are in place for further collaboration in the mining and petroleum industries.