CH-4D
CASC Rainbow-series armed drone; Nigeria's air force lists two as expected aircraft.
China gets the minor share of Nigeria's armed-drone plans: two CH-4Ds against 12 Turkish Aksungurs, on an air-force list dated 25 October 2026. Nigeria has published no contract for the Chinese drones.
Last refreshed: 26 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Why is Nigeria buying only two Chinese CH-4D against 12 Turkish drones?
Timeline for CH-4D
Listed as two expected aircraft
Drones: Industry & Defence: Nigeria lists 12 Aksungur armed dronesBackground
The Nigerian Air Force named two CH-4D drones among the aircraft it expects to receive, in a list published on 25 October 2026 that also carries 12 Turkish Aksungurs. Nigeria has given no contract, price or delivery date for the Chinese pair.
The CH-4D is a newer member of the CH-4 family, part of the Rainbow (Cai Hong) series of medium-altitude armed drones built by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics under the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). Janes lists the CH-4D among the latest Rainbow designs; its published specifications are thin. Earlier CH-4 versions split into the CH-4A reconnaissance model and the CH-4B strike model, which Janes says carries up to 345 kg of weapons. Oryx and public equipment lists record Chinese CH-3A and CH-4B drones in Nigerian service.
On Nigeria's new list Turkish drones outnumber Chinese six to one, a shift for an air force whose armed-drone fleet began with Chinese types.
What is the CH-4D drone?
Is Nigeria buying Chinese CH-4 drones?
Who makes the CH-4 Rainbow drone?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 26 October 2026. Editorial standards.