By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

Textron Systems Corporation, a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT), has announced the award of a landmark contract to deliver three Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to Tantita Security Services, Nigeria’s leading indigenous security providers.

The deal, which would see the systems delivered in a fully ITAR‑Free configuration to ease international export, is expected to significantly strengthen surveillance and security operations around Nigeria’s vital oil and gas infrastructure.
The agreement also includes options for training and additional aircraft to support future expansion, building on a previous Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract to the country.

The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS is powered by Hybrid Quadrotor technology, enabling vertical takeoff and landing without the need for a runway. With a track record of reliability and adaptability, the system is designed to operate effectively in Nigeria’s high‑risk environments, offering multi‑mission capability across land and sea.

Speaking, David Phillips, Senior Vice President of Textron’s Air, Land and Sea Systems, described the contract as transformational for Nigeria’s security sector. “The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS is a mature, highly reliable, and industry‑proven autonomous solution that will provide Tantita Security Services with the capability to execute their operations more effectively. Its benchmark‑setting reliability will enable the Tantita team to expand its capacity to protect oil and gas infrastructure essential to Nigerian security and prosperity,” he said.

The Aerosonde family of systems has already amassed over 700,000 flight hours in some of the world’s most challenging environments and is currently deployed on more than 10 U.S. Navy ships. With both VTOL and fixed‑wing options, the system supports multiple payload configurations, making it suitable for diverse missions ranging from surveillance to logistics.

Textron Systems, a global leader in uncrewed air, land, and sea platforms, continues to expand its footprint in Africa through partnerships that combine advanced technology with local expertise. The company emphasized that this latest award underscores its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy security while empowering indigenous firms like Tantita Security Services to take a leading role in safeguarding national assets.