In the age of rapid technological advancement, the proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, has presented a new set of challenges for defence and security forces.
The proliferation of drone technology across Africa has significantly expanded humanitarian, and military operations, although, still an emerging technology in the continent, however, in the hands of non-state armed groups, they pose a significant threat.
Sudan’s Rapid Support Force (RSF) operates a plethora of commercial Off-the-Shelf drones as well as Chinese-made Sunflower suicide drones. The explosive-laden FPV Drones are used by the RSF with the help of Russia’s PMC Wagner Group to target Sudan’s Army positions. The RSF also fields UAE-supplied Serbian Yugoimport mortar-armed heavy drone.
On its own, the Sudanese armed forces are operating improvised kamikaze drones, very likely based on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) FPV quadcopter-type drones. Although, the RSF operates some form of air defence system which was either given to them by Russian Wagner forces or from other sources like the UAE. However, the air defence system which may likely be man portable (MANPAD), or other short range air defence system is not able to track and target this small drones.
As drones become increasingly accessible and affordable, their usage has grown exponentially across the African continent. While drones have numerous beneficial applications, such as in agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, and disaster response, they are also being employed by non-state actors for illicit activities, posing significant security challenges. Non-state actors, including insurgent groups, terrorists, and criminal organizations, have been leveraging drones for reconnaissance, surveillance, and weapon delivery purposes. 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.
The SkyFend Hunter SHH100, a state-of-the-art anti-drone system designed to provide a comprehensive solution to unauthorized drone intrusions.
China is slowly but surely enjoying export success of its counter-drone solutions in Africa and the surrounding region. Their C-UAS offerings are considered affordable and without stringent bureaucratic requirement.
The Skyfend Hunter SHH100. This handheld jammer is designed to detect, identify, locate, and mitigate drone threats.
The Hunter’s prowess lies in its ability to neutralize multiple drones simultaneously. It achieves this through targeted RF and GNSS jamming, disrupting the drones’ control links, navigation systems, and video transmissions. This capability is crucial for scenarios where immediate and decisive action is required, such as event security, VIP protection, and the defense of critical energy facilities.
Equipped with a rechargeable battery, the system includes two batteries, a charging base, an adapter, and a power cable. It operates on a voltage of 218V and a capacitance of 141.765 WH, ensuring prolonged operational readiness.
Despite the increasing threat posed by drones from non-state actors in Africa, many African militaries have been slow to adopt and field adequate counter-UAV solutions. There are several reasons for this shortfall. One key reason is the lack of awareness and understanding of the evolving threat landscape posed by drones. Many African countries have limited expertise and resources dedicated to unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAV capabilities, leading to a lack of awareness and understanding of the risks associated with drones. Inadequate training, knowledge, and technical expertise in dealing with drones hinder the effective response of African militaries to this emerging security challenge.
The Sudanese Civil War recently took an international dimension when the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, has spilled over into Africa, where both sides are using drones to target each other’s interests.
According to a video obtained by the Kyiv Post newspaper, Ukrainian forces have been conducting a covert operation in Sudan, hunting down and eliminating Russian mercenaries and their local allies with drone strikes and sniper fire.
Meanwhile, The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted a resolution demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan. The resolution, known as 2724, was adopted with an overwhelming majority, signaling the international community’s grave concern over the ongoing conflict that has led to a severe humanitarian crisis.