In the ongoing conflict in northern Mali, fighters from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) have been spotted using advanced drone technology. A video circulating on social media showcases a fighter operating a VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drone, marking a new chapter in the region’s warfare.
Army general staff said the military had intercepted a “terrorist” drone after the FLA said the mainly Tuareg group’s fighters had “brought down a Malian army helicopter in Tessalit” in the country’s northeast late Tuesday.
The drone in question is believed to be the FDG 410, manufactured by Chinese company Flydragon. This model is primarily a civilian surveillance drone, capable of carrying a payload up to 10 kg with an operational endurance ranging from 90 minutes to three and a half hours. Its electric propulsion allows it to reach altitudes of up to 4,500 meters, making it both quiet and hard to detect. The drone is equipped with an FDC2 camera featuring a dual x30 zoom, capable of observing targets from 15 kilometers away.
This isn’t the first instance of drone usage in Mali’s conflicts. Previously, Wagner Group mercenaries were seen employing FPV (First-Person View) drones during the Tinzawaten ambush in July 2024. Also, the CSP rebel group has used drones to target Wagner forces in Mali.
However, the deployment of a VTOL drone by the Azawad rebels introduces a new tactical layer to the conflict.
Reports indicate that this drone technology was pivotal in the downing of a Malian army helicopter in the Tessalit region, north of Kidal, showcasing its potential impact on military operations.
The increasing use of drones by non-state actors in Northern Mali for both surveillance and direct combat roles presents a growing challenge for regional militaries. This development not only escalates the technological arms race but also underscores the urgent need for comprehensive counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) strategies. African nations, particularly those in conflict zones, are now compelled to bolster their defenses against such aerial threats.
For instance, the European Union training mission (EUTM) Mali is a military operation that aims to support the Malian armed forces in restoring stability and security in the country are known to operate and deployed a cutting-edge anti-drone technology called DroneDefender, developed by Battelle, a US-based research and development organization. DroneDefender is a device that can disrupt the control and navigation of unwanted drones, rendering them harmless and preventing them from reaching their targets.
This incident highlights the evolving nature of warfare in Africa, where technology once exclusive to state militaries is now accessible to various groups, thereby complicating security dynamics. As the landscape of warfare changes, so too must the strategies to counter these emerging threats.
Despite the growing threat posed by drones in Africa, many African militaries are falling short in fielding adequate counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) solutions, leaving security forces vulnerable to emerging threats.
