Nigeria Boosts Defense Industry With First 1,000 Homegrown DG-103 Rifles
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria-D7G (DICON-D7G) has produced nearly 1,000 units of its upgraded DG-103 rifle within the first two months of operations at its Kaduna facility, according to local media.
The weapon is a locally licensed version of the Russian Kalashnikov AK-103 assault rifle, chambered for the 7.62×39-millimeter M43 cartridge.
DG-103 has a cyclic rate of about 600 rounds per minute, a muzzle velocity of over 700 meters (2,297 feet) per second, and a firing range of up to 500 meters (1,640 feet).
Osman Chennar, CEO of DICON-D7G, announced the milestone during a briefing at the company’s Abuja headquarters.
He confirmed that all rifles in the first batch successfully passed comprehensive testing and certification, meeting the operational standards of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Expanding Local Defense Production
DICON-D7G is slated to produce 60 million rounds of ammunition annually, with full DG-103 manufacturing operations underway.
Chennar said that the company is also producing drones and anti-drone systems with early-warning capabilities to support frontline troops in addition to the small arms.
He emphasized that the integrated plan is a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s renewed push for local arms production.
In a related statement, DICON-D7G Research and Development Director Mainasara Abdul Masanawa revealed that the company plans to acquire a military jetty in Lagos by February 2026, which will house a production line, warehouses, and accommodation for personnel.
He also outlined plans to establish a shipyard at the same onshore facility for servicing and maintaining naval vessels.
Masanawa highlighted that the new site’s acquisition will significantly expand local production capacity and create new opportunities for foreign military sales with neighboring African countries.
Support from ‘Central Player’
DICON–D7G is a strategic collaboration between the Nigerian government’s state-owned Defence Industries Corporation and D7G Company Limited, aimed at boosting indigenous production of military equipment.
Chennar described the developments as part of broader efforts to deepen self-reliance and strengthen national security readiness.
“DICON–D7G is a central player in the defence industrialisation component of the Renewed Hope agenda,” he said.
