Tantita, Textron Systems Seals Drone Deal

…Focused On Expanding Regional Maritime Capabilities

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

American defence giant, Textron Systems, has signed a landmark agreement to supply three Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS drones to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Nigeria’s top front maritime security firm.

The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) are designed to operate without runways, using hybrid quadrotor technology for vertical takeoff and landing. Delivered in a fully ITAR free configuration to ease international export, the systems represent a major leap in Tantita’s operational capacity.

Beyond the drones themselves, the deal includes a comprehensive training and maintenance package, as well as a train-the-trainer programme. This initiative will empower Tantita not only to build its own cadre of skilled drone pilots and technicians but also to extend training services to third party companies in Nigeria. The arrangement positions Tantita as a hub for advanced drone operations across West and East Africa, enhancing regional security collaboration.

David Phillips, Senior Vice President of Air, Land and Sea Systems at Textron, described the Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 as a “mature, highly reliable, and industry proven autonomous solution” that will transform Tantita’s ability to safeguard Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.

With over 700,000 flight hours logged globally, including deployments from more than 10 U.S. Navy ships, the Aerosonde system has proven its resilience in demanding environments.

Textron emphasized that the contract also provides options for additional aircraft acquisitions and expanded training support, ensuring Tantita can scale its operations as threats evolve.

Findings by our reporter showed that whereas construction of support facilities began late last year and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, there are indications that the first batch of drones scheduled for delivery in the second quarter. Once operational, Tantita will deploy the systems for surveillance, rapid response, and infrastructure protection missions in the Niger Delta and other sensitive regions.

This acquisition underscores Tantita’s role as a beacon of hope for maritime security in West and East Africa, offering technologically advanced solutions to protect critical assets and deter disruptions in high risk sectors.

Also, Textron Systems, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., is recognized worldwide for its uncrewed air, land, and surface systems. The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS represents its latest innovation in autonomous platforms, designed to deliver versatility and reliability in diverse operational environments.

Contacted for comments on the development, Director of Technical Operations of Tantita, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, said the firm led by the Chairman, Chief Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo, and theCEO, Chief E. Pondi  mision and vision is to support the national quest to attain utmost capacity in maritime security; and therefore, would leave no stone unturned to achieve the desired level of capability and efficiency.

Without any doubt, the Tantita, Textron Systems deal marks a new era in Nigeria’s private maritime security landscape.