Russia is using drones from the war in Ukraine in Africa
Satellite images show Russia is deploying the same types of drones it uses in Ukraine to military bases in Africa, including Libya and Sudan, marking an expansion of its drone warfare capabilities on the continent.
Background
- The article reports that Russia is now deploying combat drones (UAVs) previously used in its war against Ukraine into Africa, likely to support allied governments or Wagner/private military operations there.
- Drones like the Lancet (loitering munition) and Orlan-10 (reconnaissance drone) have been spotted or reported in Sudan, Mali, and the Central African Republic — countries where Russian-aligned forces are active.
- This matters because it shows Russia is adapting its drone warfare tactics from Ukraine for use in Africa, potentially giving local proxies or regimes a cheap, effective surveillance and strike capability they previously lacked.
- The transfer also raises concerns about arms proliferation, civilian harm, and the widening geographical footprint of Russia's military technology outside Europe.