Nigeria likely customer for BIRD Aerosystems’ Maritime Surveillance system

Nigeria’s Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is likely the recipient Of Bird Aerosystems’ advanced maritime patrol sensor and integrated Mission Management system (MSIS).

In January last year, Bird Aerosystems announced that it has received a contract for its Airborne Missile Protection Systems (AMPS) and Airborne Surveillance, Information and Observation (ASIO) solutions.

However, due to the customer’s request, the Sub-Saharan nation was not disclosed. The acquisition is part of NIMASA’s Deep Blue Project, a multi-layered security framework set-up to protect Nigeria’s Economic Exclusive Zone.

Military Africa understands that the aircraft will share operational picture with ASIO mission management stations installed on the NIMASA integrated c4i architecture and naval vessels, ensuring that all operating teams share a unified, real-time situational awareness picture.

The Cessna Citations configured for the maritime surveillance would be fitted with its Airborne Surveillance, Intelligence and Observation (ASIO) maritime solution as well as its Mission Management system (MSIS).

Under the Deep Blue Project, NIMASA is getting a large number of modern equipment including two Cessna aircraft configured for ISR operations, two special mission vessels, 17 RHIBs, four drone, 16 armoured vehicles, and two Agusta A-109 helicopters.

When delivered, Bird Aerosystems’ advanced maritime patrol sensor and integrated Mission Management system (MSIS) will work with other assets under the Deep Blue Project to help reduce piracy and other crimes within Nigeria’s maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea.