Niger officially introduced the Turkish-built Aksungur unmanned aerial vehicle during a ceremony in Niamey. The system expands the country’s aerial capabilities for border security, reconnaissance, and precision strikes amid rising instability in the Sahel.
Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, the Aksungur weighs nearly three tons and can carry up to 750 kg of mixed ordnance. Dual engines provide over 40 hours of endurance, while the modular payload supports TEBER, MAM-C, MAM-L, L-UMTAS, and Cirit munitions.
Trained in Turkey, Nigerien personnel quickly brought the system into operational use. Aksungur complements the existing Bayraktar TB2 fleet and, together with the upcoming HÜRKUŞ-C light attack aircraft, strengthens a multi-layered airpower doctrine. This deployment signals Niger’s deepening strategic partnership with Turkey while sending a deterrent message to adversaries amid growing threats across the Sahel region.
