The ongoing conflict in Sudan is turning into a proving ground for advanced drone technologies, particularly swarm drones, loitering munitions, and unmanned warfare. Initially, the Rapid Support Force (RSF) utilized drones primarily for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. This scenario changed dramatically when the United Arab Emirates supplied the paramilitary group with Serbian-made attack UAVs in early 2023.
Understanding Drone Swarms
A drone swarm involves a group of drones operating together autonomously to accomplish specific tasks. These swarms represent an advanced form of drone technology with the potential to revolutionize military and urban surveillance operations. By leveraging collective intelligence and sensory capabilities, drone swarms can execute coordinated actions with impressive efficiency.
A Significant Attack in Al-Fashir
On September 8, 2024, Sudanese Armed Forces soldiers and their allies faced a significant attack in Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur. A large swarm of small drones, deployed as improvised loitering munitions, targeted them. This attack marked a new level of escalation in the Sudanese battlefield, as the use of a swarm of small drones in this manner had not been documented before. Additionally, a considerable number of reconnaissance UAVs were also deployed during this operation.
Improvised Loitering Munitions
The improvised loitering munitions used in the attack carried a unique payload that has not been previously documented.
Loitering munitions, also known as kamikaze drones or suicide drones, are an emerging weapon system that has gained popularity in recent years due to their unique capabilities.
Loitering munitions, also known as kamikaze or suicide drones, are UAVs designed to hover over an area, using advanced sensors to identify and track targets. Once a target is located, these munitions can be directed to strike with precision. The emergence of loitering munitions has provided military forces with enhanced strike capabilities, making them a valuable asset in asymmetric warfare.
In recent years, several African countries have begun to invest in loitering munitions as a means of enhancing their military capabilities. And according to arms manufacturer Paramount Group, the loitering munitions market is on the brink of unparalleled growth, with a staggering 525% surge anticipated between 2020 and 2024. Annual spending in this sector is projected to surpass $600 million in the coming years, according to a comprehensive report. Although, Africa is still lagging behind in this realm of innovation and faces significant challenges in catching up with the rest of the world.
The Sudanese Military’s Response
In response, the Sudanese army has begun operating improvised kamikaze drones, likely based on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) UAVs. These drones, appearing to be FPV quadcopter-type, represent an adaptation to the evolving battlefield.
Local Innovations and AI-Enabled Swarm Drones
Earlier in 2023, Sudan’s Military Industry Corporation (MIC) introduced the Kamin-25 loitering munition, designed to be launched from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Unveiled at the IDEX 2023 show in Abu Dhabi, the Kamin-25 is currently undergoing tests with the Sudanese Air Force’s Z3-M UAVs, with final acceptance tests scheduled for May. Each Z3-M can carry two Kamin-25s, which can be launched with their wings rotated 90° along their bodies.
Furthermore, AI-enabled swarm drones signify a paradigm shift in military operations. These drones can autonomously coordinate, communicate, and perform complex tasks collaboratively. Their applications range from surveillance and reconnaissance to target acquisition, battlefield assessment, and offensive operations.
To counter this new threat, forces allied with the Sudanese Armed forces are fielding two Chinese-made anti-drone jammer to fight off unmanned systems operated by the Rapid Support Force (RSF).
One is the SkyFend Hunter C-UAS, and the second, the Ching Kkng anti-drone jammer.
The Sudan conflict is showcasing the transformative impact of swarm drones and loitering munitions on modern warfare. As these technologies continue to evolve, they are reshaping the strategies and capabilities of military forces. The use of swarm drones in Sudan not only highlights the immediate tactical advantages but also underscores the broader trend of incorporating AI and autonomous systems into combat operations.