New Delhi: Airbornics Defence & Space Pvt. Ltd. (ADSL), the defence and aerospace division of India’s JCBL Group, is looking to deepen its presence in African markets through a partnership with Nigus Hercules Limited to develop maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in Nigeria. The initiative marks a step towards building local defence sustainment capabilities, combining ADSL’s engineering expertise with Nigerian industrial participation.
The partnership follows ADSL’s participation at the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos, where the company showcased its indigenous defence portfolio and explored opportunities for industrial collaboration. Its engagement in Nigeria extends beyond presenting products to developing the technical capabilities required to maintain and modernise military equipment within the country.
The proposed MRO programme will cover armoured vehicles, engines and air defence equipment used by the Nigerian Armed Forces. ADSL will contribute engineering expertise, overhaul processes, specialist training and spares support. The initiative aims to improve equipment availability, reduce repair turnaround times and develop local engineering and technical skills.
Nigus Tactical Systems Limited, the Nigerian partner in Nigus Hercules Limited, is developing indigenous defence industrial capacity through the DICON NIGUS TACTICAL platform under the DICON Act framework. The MRO programme forms part of this broader effort to establish local defence support infrastructure and strengthen Nigeria’s ability to maintain its military equipment.
HRH Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer, Nigus Hercules Limited, said, “Nigeria must build the capacity to maintain and sustain the equipment its Armed Forces depend on. Through Nigus Hercules, Nigus Tactical and our partnership with ADSL, we are taking a practical step towards that goal. Our focus is Nigerian skills, dependable local support and lasting industrial capability under the DICON framework.”
Rohit Nandal, COO, Nigus Hercules Limited, said, “Building world-class MRO capabilities in Nigeria is key to defence self-reliance. Our partnership with ADSL will drive knowledge transfer, develop local engineering expertise, and keep defence assets mission-ready.”
For ADSL, the partnership reflects its approach to international collaboration: adapting established technologies to local requirements while developing capabilities with partners in their own markets. ADSL will focus to develop the local capabilities within Nigeria to address the ECOWAS region.
Raj Kumar Pandey, Joint Managing Director, ADSL, JCBL Group, said, “It is better to have a joint development along with the customer.” He added, “The way we did it, we took the technologies, and we customised it for the Indian markets, the same thing, we want to do it for the African region.
In Nigeria, this approach is expected to translate into local maintenance, modernisation and life-extension capabilities for military platforms. The partners envisage establishing a Centre of Excellence for lifecycle support and upgrades of armoured platforms. The facility is intended to support technology transfer, create local employment and develop specialised engineering expertise. Implementation will be phased according to agreed service requirements, facility readiness and technical training.
Sandip Chakroborty, Joint Managing Director (Operations), ADSL, JCBL Group, said, “This partnership brings together global technology standards and Nigerian industrial strength. Together, we will establish a Centre of Excellence in Nigeria for life-cycle support, upgrades and life extension of armoured platforms, creating local jobs, local expertise and strategic autonomy.”
ADSL brings experience in maintaining, refurbishing and modernising military platforms, including T-72 tanks and BMP infantry fighting vehicles. In India, the company has signed an agreement with the Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps to establish a New Generation Vehicle (NGV) Repair Hub and Warehouse at the 14 Corps Zonal Workshop in Leh. Its international collaboration experience also includes a partnership with Slovakia to co-develop turrets, active protection systems and remote-controlled weapon systems for light tanks, with manufacturing based in India.
At AFRIDEX 2026, hosted by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) under the patronage of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ADSL presented its portfolio across counter-unmanned aerial systems (counter-UAS), protected mobility, weapon stations, active protection, radar and aerial delivery systems.
The showcase included the Tusker Counter-UAS System, ADSL Tusker Light Bulletproof Vehicle and CANNA-50 Remote-Controlled Weapon Station. Other products included its Active Protection System, Turret System, RF Detector and Jammer, Radar, 50-Ton Trailer, Platform Plus Parachute System for Aerial Drop and Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS).
Through its participation at AFRIDEX and its partnership with Nigus Hercules, ADSL aims to build on its engineering and manufacturing capabilities to develop long-term industrial relationships in Africa. The Nigeria initiative brings this approach into focus, with an emphasis on technology collaboration, local technical expertise and the development of in-country defence sustainment capabilities.
