Textron Systems is expanding its uncrewed aircraft footprint in Nigeria through a new partnership with local channel partner ARCO Group PLC.
The deal marks the first commercial Aerosonde UAS delivery in Africa following the sale of three Aerosonde UAS Mk. 4.7 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) systems to ARCO, with operations managed by ARCO Worldwide Services Limited. Under a fee-for-service model, ARCO will provide flight support to assist customers in securing oil pipeline infrastructure, a domain requiring continuous surveillance and rapid intelligence gathering.
As demand for high-performance uncrewed aerial capabilities expands across the region, the collaboration establishes an in-country operational and sustainment framework for Group 3 UAS technology. Serving as both reseller and operator, ARCO allows Nigerian commercial and government entities to access advanced UAS capabilities without the immediate burden of internal staffing, training, or maintenance programs. Textron Systems provides the aircraft, technical expertise, and continuous support while ARCO handles day-to-day mission delivery.
To accommodate a broader commercial and defense customer base across Nigeria and the wider African continent, the Aerosonde systems were delivered in a fully ITAR-free configuration. Although this agreement represents Textron Systems’ inaugural commercial Aerosonde sale in Nigeria, it builds upon a history of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to the Nigerian government. Those previously delivered aircraft remain active today, supported by field service representatives and hardware shipments.
ARCO is currently transitioning sustainment operations from FMS to Direct Commercial Sales (DCS). Local Aerosonde UAS training is scheduled to open in 2027 to support the Nigerian Army, while three additional Aerosonde systems are slated for delivery early next year to further build out regional capacity.
