Chinese unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are rapidly dominating Africa’s military landscape, offering affordable and effective solutions for surveillance and combat operations. Manufacturers like CASC and CAIG have exported 282 combat drones to 17 countries in the last decade, vastly outpacing the 12 armed drones sold by the United States, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The demand for Chinese UAVs stems from their low cost, reliability, and versatility in addressing security challenges across the continent. Priced at approximately $1 million, the Wing Loong I can carry guided munitions and conduct surveillance over vast territories, making it an attractive option for nations grappling with insurgencies, territorial conflicts, and organized crime.
Countries such as Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, and Ethiopia have integrated Chinese drones into their arsenals. Ethiopia notably deployed drones, including Chinese Wing Loong models, during the Tigray conflict, halting rebel forces advancing toward Addis Ababa. Nigeria was an early adopter, purchasing CH-3 tactical drones before upgrading to the more advanced Wing Loong II for counterinsurgency efforts against Boko Haram.
Nigerian Air Force CASC CH-4 UAV.
In late 2020 The Nigerian Air Force placed an order for and later took delivery of the following;
• 4x CH-4
• 2x CH-3
• 2x Wing Loong II
In subsequent years the Nigerian Air Force officially inducted two additional Wing Loong II UAVs.… pic.twitter.com/OZva2bUU7s
— Jake (@Jakepor21) September 6, 2024China’s willingness to accept natural resources as payment has further eased procurement for cash-strapped governments. This flexibility, combined with the United States’ export restrictions under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), has allowed Beijing to outpace its competitors. The cost disparity is significant, with Chinese UAVs often 15 times cheaper than their American counterparts, enabling African governments to build larger fleets for the same expenditure.
Egypt, a long-standing buyer of Chinese UAVs, employs Wing Loong I drones for operations in Sinai and near the Gaza border. Recent purchases include upgrades such as the Wing Loong 1D, capable of extended flight times and heavier payloads, enhancing their effectiveness in counterinsurgency missions.
The proliferation of Chinese drones has coincided with a decline in reliance on Russian aircraft, which are more expensive to purchase and maintain. Many African militaries are now favoring UAVs for their affordability and ease of operation in low-intensity conflicts.
China continues to advance its UAV technology, introducing models such as the CH-5, CH-6, and stealth-capable CH-7, as well as high-altitude systems like the WZ-7.
