UNICCON unveils AI-powered drones, partners DICON to meet security needs

The UNICCON Group of Companies has unveiled an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered ‘kamikaze’ drones while partnering with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to meet specific security needs.

The Chairman of UNICCON Group, Prof. Chuks Ekwueme, unveiled the drones during the joint technical demonstration of Integrated Drone Detection and Defence Systems on Monday in Abuja.

Ekwueme said the move was a successful validation of sovereign defense technology designed to meet the specific security needs of the continent.

“UNICCON Group has taken the bull by its horns to promote local technologies in Nigeria. This is the reason behind forming a joint venture with DICON.

“This is not just an improvised version display, it is a successful validation of sovereign defense technology designed to meet the specific security needs of the continent,” he said.

The company’s subsidiary, Babasky Technologies, said the demonstration featured three breakthrough technologies, which are in line with the new DICON act.

Ekwueme identified the breakthrough technologies as Africa’s First Integrated “Kamikaze” System,- The UNIKAM-Series, an AI and high-speed Loitering Munition which reaches speeds of 210+ km/h with an advanced impact radius observed at approximately 200+ meters.

The second, he said, is the Advanced Drone Detection, Jamming, and Spoofing which is a stationary system capable of detecting over 40 UAVs simultaneously up to 8km away.

He added that the technology can neutralise threats through precise jamming and spoofing within a 3km radius.

“The third, the Secure Wireless Detonator Munitions: A module that successfully initiates high-energy composite warheads from a stand-off distance of 1.5km with a response time of less than 0.2 seconds,” he said.

Ekwueme said that the milestone signaled a shift toward African defense, and self-reliance, moving from the importation of foreign hardware to the development of indigenous, high-spec tactical systems.

In his remarks, the Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen Babatunde Alaya, said that DICON had evolved over the years by producing small arms, ammunition and specialised vehicles, used by the Nigerian military.

He said that the DICON Act 2023 signed into law by President Bola Tinubu would further strengthen defense industry.

He said that it was a turning point in Nigeria’s military-industrial capabilities, boosting national security and economic growth.

“In order to achieve this, the DICON set up a committee called DICON partnership Coordinating Committee to interface with local and foreign defense related industries.

“One of those companies that we have partnered with so far is the UNICCON Group,” he said.

Alaya said that DICON has other partner companies, both local and international, that produce ammunition and other equipment.

“We have signed a memorandum of understanding with other partners who are already producing the machinery and equipment,” he said.