The indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle,was unveiled on Tuesday in Kaduna, it is designed and constructed by the Nigerian Air Force.

Speaking at the ceremony, Jonathan said that the unveiling of the vehicle marked another landmark moment in the nation's history. He said that besides its diverse military application, the vessel would provide a range of benefits in disaster management, power line surveys and law enforcement. Jonathan said that the vehicle would also be useful in aerial imaging/mapping, telecommunications and weather monitoring.

"It is also rapidly becoming an important tool in news coverage, environmental monitoring, and oil and gas exploration.

"Considering the potential impact of its benefit and versatility, I cannot but say how proud I am of the men and women of our Armed Forces. "Apart from their commitment to the protection of our sovereignty, they are helping to keep our nation ahead in military science and technology and to keep their civilian counterparts on their toes.

"Today, as we stand in appreciation of the gallant men and women of our Air Force, we are reminded that hard work and diligence can break many barriers,'' he said. Jonathan commended the Chief of Air Staff and all officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force for the achievement, noting that it would strengthen the country.

"We will encourage and assist private sector concerns to key into mass production of the project to achieve the highest and best commercial use of this prototype Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. "As I said in my Independence Day address, our nation is made great by the big and small efforts of regular citizens. "Indeed, indigenous initiatives remain indispensable in achieving national greatness.

"To retain the country's importance on the global stage, we must continue to produce leaders in science, technology, and engineering, and invest more in ideas,'' the president said. In his remark, Supervising Minister of Defence Labaran Maku said the development of a surveillance aircraft by the Nigerian Air Force was a bold statement of government's resolve to provide security for the Nigerian populace.