Nigerian drone startup Terra builds weaponized UAVs and UGVs for military use

Nigerian drone startup Terra Industries has announced that its unmanned aerial (UAV) and ground vehicles (UGV) will now be equipped with weapons, including machine guns and rocket launchers, as part of a classified project with the Nigerian military. The development allows military personnel to neutralize threats detected by the drones, expanding the systems’ role beyond surveillance.

The move represents a significant shift for Terra, which had previously focused on reconnaissance and monitoring systems. According to sources familiar with the project, the weaponized drones will be remotely operated by military personnel, not by Terra’s proprietary AI platform, Artemis OS, ensuring direct human oversight of combat operations.

Terra had briefly exited Africa’s defence sector but returned earlier this year after securing $11.75 million in seed funding. The company’s renewed focus on combat-ready systems positions it as a leading local player in Nigeria’s growing defence technology ecosystem, a sector traditionally dominated by foreign suppliers.

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Analysts say the move underscores both strategic and market implications for the domestic defence industry. Chike Okafor, a security technology consultant in Lagos, noted: “Terra’s weaponized drones show that local startups can now develop advanced military systems that meet operational requirements. This reduces reliance on imported technologies and strengthens national security capabilities.”