Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria
Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON)[2] is the state-run defense corporation of Nigeria and operated by the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is responsible for the production of defense equipment and civilian products.
State-owned enterprise | |
Industry | Defence |
Founded | 1964[1] |
Headquarters | , |
Area served | Major General Victor Okwudili Ezugwu (Director General) |
Products | Munitions, Small arms, Artillery, Explosives, Armored vehicles MRAPs |
Owner | Nigerian Armed Forces |
Website | dicon.gov.ng |
History
DICON was established in 1964 through an act of parliament in the Nigerian National Assembly.[3]
Products
It makes licensed copies of the Mills M36M (M36) handgrenade , Browning P-35 (NP-1) pistol, Beretta M12 (PMG-12) submachine gun, Beretta BM59 and FN FAL (NR1 Model 7.62) battle rifles, FN MAG (GPMG) machinegun, and RPG-7 (RPG) rocket launcher. The OBJ-006, a copy of the 7.62mm AK-47 assault rifle, is produced by DICON in 2006.[4]
DICoN has recently procured rights to manufacture a copy of the Polish FB 5.56mm Kbs wz.96 Beryl assault rifle, possibly to replace the FAL and/or AK-47 in service[5].
In 2012, DICON and Marom Dolphin signed an agreement to establish a joint venture to produce ballistic vests.[6] In 2013, DICON officials denied allegations that Nigerian-made ballistic vests from DICON factories are made under substandard conditions.[7]
In the coronavirus outbreak in 2020, DICON has produced ventilators, face shields, face masks and hand sanitizers.[8]
References
- Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria. "Our history - Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria - DICON". Retrieved 15 December 2018.
- https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-military/nigerias-president-buhari-announces-weapons-production-plan-idUSKCN0QC1QU20150807
- https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/nigeria/dicon.htm
- https://www.armyrecognition.com/march_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/nigeria_will_manufacture_polish-originated_ak_assault_rifle_derivatives.html
- The National Interest The Buzz Why This AK47 on Steroids Could Be the Most Powerful Gun on the Planet by Robert Beckhusen (March 29, 2018)
- https://www.defenceweb.co.za/industry/industry-industry/joint-venture-signed-to-set-up-ballistic-vest-factory-in-nigeria/
- https://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/06/dicon-denies-production-of-sub-standard-bullet-proof/
- https://www.thecable.ng/covid-19-nigerias-defence-ministry-produces-ventilator