Drones as Weapons in Armed Conflicts

Drones are transforming modern warfare, and in Africa, non-state armed groups are increasingly using them in conflicts. This project examines how drone use shapes their strategies and explores ways to curb their proliferation.  

The affordability and simplicity of drones have made them a key tool in modern warfare. State and non-state actors deploy drones and have adapted them for a variety of purposes, including surveillance, reconnaissance but also violent attacks in wars or violent conflicts.  

In Africa, non-state armed groups are increasingly using drones. Yet it remains unclear how this technology is reshaping their strategies. Specifically, the question arises whether drone availability encourages more ‘liquid’  warfare—targeting enemy networks—or more ‘solid’ warfare—focused on the controlling territory. 

The project “Drones as Weapons in Armed Conflicts” investigates how the military use of drones influences the strategies of non-state armed groups in Africa, such as al-Shabaab or ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa). The goal is to identify policy options to limit proliferation through national, regional and international arms control instruments. To achieve this, the project team is conducting interviews with experts on these armed groups and stakeholders from the respective countries and regions.