As demand for reliable, high-performance uncrewed aircraft solutions grows across Nigeria, we are advancing a business model built around in-country channel partners who can operate, sustain and expand access to Group 3 Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) capabilities. The recent sale of three Aerosonde® UAS Mk. 4.7 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) systems to ARCO Group PLC (ARCO) marks our first commercial Aerosonde UAS delivery in Africa. ARCO will provide fee-for-service flight support to customers to sustain securing oil pipeline infrastructure, an environment where persistent surveillance and rapid intelligence delivery are critical.
ARCO’s role as both reseller and operator enables Nigerian customers to access Group 3 UAS capability quickly and efficiently. By serving as the country face of operations and sustainment, ARCO allows customers to benefit from advanced UAS performance without requiring immediate investment in internal training, staffing or maintenance programs. We provide the aircraft, technical expertise and ongoing support, ensuring reliable operations while empowering ARCO to manage day-to-day mission delivery. The Aerosonde UAS were delivered in a fully ITAR-free configuration to make high-quality Group 3 capability available to a wider range of commercial and government users across Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Despite the ARCO contract being our first commercial Aerosonde UAS sale in the country, it builds on multiple prior foreign military sales (FMS) to the Nigerian government. Aerosonde systems delivered under those cases are flying today, supported by our field service representatives and additional hardware deliveries. ARCO is currently transitioning sustainment activities from FMS to direct commercial sales (DCS), with local Aerosonde UAS training expected to be available in 2027 to support the Nigerian Army. Three additional Aerosonde UAS are set to be delivered early next year, further expanding capability in the region. Textron Systems collaboration with ARCO drives meaningful Aerosonde UAS expansion in Nigeria, creating a scalable sustainment model, strengthening customer responsiveness and opening new commercial pathways.
Textron Systems is an aerospace and defense development and manufacturing firm headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. Textron Systems has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Headquartered in Haslet, TX, the company is known for its uncrewed aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment and operational services. Textron Systems also includes Howe & Howe Technologies, Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) and Lycoming Engines. Textron Inc. is an American industrial conglomerate based in Providence, Rhode Island. It was founded by Royal Little in 1923 as the Special Yarns Company.
