Textron Systems to Supply Advanced Surveillance Drones to Tantita Security Services

American defence technology firm Textron Systems Corporation, a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), has signed a contract to supply three Aerosonde® Mk. 4.7 Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).

The agreement, announced by Textron Systems in a statement dated December 29, 2025, is aimed at strengthening security operations for the protection of Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure, particularly in high-risk areas.

According to the company, the drones will be delivered in a fully ITAR-free configuration, making them easier to export and deploy internationally. The deal also includes options for additional aircraft and specialised training, allowing Tantita to scale up its operational capacity in the future. The sale builds on an earlier Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract involving Nigeria.

The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS is designed to operate without runways, using hybrid quadrotor technology that enables vertical takeoff and landing. This capability makes the system suitable for difficult terrains and remote environments common in Nigeria’s oil-producing regions.

Speaking on the deal, David Phillips, Senior Vice President of Air, Land and Sea Systems at Textron Systems, said the drones would significantly boost Tantita’s operational effectiveness.

“The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS is a mature, highly reliable, and industry-proven autonomous solution that will provide Tantita Security Services with transformational capability to execute their security operations,” Phillips said.

“Its demonstrated performance and benchmark-setting reliability will enable the Tantita team to expand its capabilities to protect the oil and gas infrastructure essential to Nigerian security and prosperity.”

Textron Systems noted that the Aerosonde UAS family has accumulated over 700,000 flight hours worldwide, operating in some of the most challenging environments. The platform is currently deployed on more than 10 United States Navy ships and supports multiple mission profiles through flexible payload configurations, with both VTOL and fixed-wing options.

The company described the deal as a significant boost to Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly in safeguarding oil and gas assets that remain vulnerable to vandalism, theft and sabotage.

Tantita Security Services, a private security firm owned by Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), is widely known for its role in protecting critical energy infrastructure in the Niger Delta. The firm is expected to deploy the drones for aerial surveillance, rapid response operations and infrastructure protection, improving situational awareness and operational reach across sensitive regions.

Textron Systems also disclosed that discussions are ongoing regarding further acquisitions and training support to enhance Tantita’s long-term operational readiness.

While delivery timelines were not disclosed, Tantita officials are expected to outline deployment plans for the Aerosonde systems in the coming months.

The contract underscores the growing reliance on uncrewed and autonomous systems in modern security operations and reflects a broader shift toward advanced technology-driven solutions for protecting national and corporate assets.

Textron Systems is a global leader in uncrewed air, surface and land platforms, while its parent company, Textron Inc., operates across aerospace, defence, industrial and finance sectors with brands including Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Lycoming and Textron Systems.