ARCO Aviation, Navy Strengthen Drone Operations As 5 Officers Complete Training

ARCO Aviation Academy and the Nigerian Navy have strengthened Nigeria’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capabilities following the graduation of five naval officers from a specialised drone training programme.

The officers, who formed the sixth cohort of the joint training initiative, completed the programme on May 26, 2026. The course provided advanced instruction in drone operations, surveillance technology and mission-specific UAS protocols tailored to the Navy’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance requirements.

According to ARCO Aviation Academy, the training combined practical and theoretical modules delivered by instructors with operational drone experience. The academy noted that participants commended the quality of instruction, practical training methodology and professionalism of the faculty.

Representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) supervised the graduation check ride, underscoring the regulatory standards guiding the programme. The officials included Capt. Raphael Akinsete, Engr. Ebitie Charles and SFO O. Kukoyi.

The academy stated that the successful completion of the sixth consecutive cohort highlights the growing partnership between both institutions in enhancing the operational and strategic readiness of naval personnel.

It added that the collaboration positions ARCO Aviation Academy as a key provider of specialised UAS training for military personnel and creates opportunities to expand similar programmes to other branches of the armed forces.

The academy also disclosed plans to introduce advanced training modules, including counter-drone operations and artificial intelligence-integrated surveillance systems, to meet evolving security demands.

ARCO Aviation Academy noted that unmanned aerial systems are playing an increasingly important role in maritime security, supporting coastal surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid-response operations.

The academy, which is licensed by the NCAA, offers a range of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) courses, including Visual Line of Sight (VLOS), Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and structured on-the-job training programmes for commercial and military operators.