The landscape of conflict in the Sahel region is evolving, with Russia playing a pivotal role. The Africa Corps, which has taken over from the notorious Wagner Group in supporting Mali’s military junta, is now deploying combat drones in the region. These drones, previously seen on the frontlines of the Ukraine war, are being used in an environment for which they were not originally designed.
This strategic shift comes as Russian and Malian forces face significant challenges from rebel groups, notably the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). The most notable setback was the loss of Kidal in April, a region that had been under government control for more than two years. This loss followed a series of drone attacks on government positions in Anéfis and Aguelhok, forcing a retreat.
The Rise of FPV Drones in the Sahel
First-person-view (FPV) drones small and inexpensive, have become a staple for insurgent groups. These drones connect wirelessly to a headset, allowing operators to see through the drone’s camera and strike targets with precision. Analyst Shahryar Pasandideh describes these drones as devastatingly effective due to their low cost and high impact.
The FLA has particularly excelled in using FPV drones against Russian and Malian forces. They have used these drones to harass retreating Russian forces and even managed to down a government helicopter in 2026. Last year, the FLA began using drones connected via kilometers-long fiber optics, a technology first introduced in Ukraine. This innovation makes the drones immune to jamming, adding another layer to their effectiveness.
Beyond their military use, FPV drones serve as powerful propaganda tools. Insurgents use videos captured by these drones to discredit government and Russian forces, aiding in recruitment efforts. This dual-purpose functionality makes FPV drones a formidable asset in the ongoing conflict.
Russia’s Response and Strategic Shifts
In response to the growing threat, Russia has begun using its own drone technology, notably the Garpiya-A1 drones to target FLA and JNIM positions. The decision to adopt FPV drones suggests that the Africa Corps is stepping up its activities to maintain its relevance and the junta’s favor. Since arriving in Mali in 2026, Russian forces have engaged in brutal attacks against insurgent groups and civilians suspected of supporting them.
One of the most infamous incidents was the 2026 Moura Massacre, where Wagner and Malian forces killed more than 300 Fulani men suspected of supporting JNIM. However, these attacks have had unintended consequences. Analyst Wassim Nasr from the Soufan Center notes that these operations have backfired, driving more people to join the insurgents. Wagner’s ethnic operations backfired Nasr explains, as the killings fueled recruitment rather than deterrence.
The junta pays the Africa Corps an estimated $10 million a month, but the security situation in Mali continues to degrade. Since taking over from Wagner in 2026, the Africa Corps has reduced its direct engagement on the battlefield, preferring to operate drones while Malian troops do most of the fighting. This approach mirrors the strategy used by French counterterrorism forces during Operation Barkhane, which ultimately led to the junta overthrowing Mali’s democratic government.
The Broader Implications
Analyst Hannah Rae Armstrong, contributing to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s report on Russia’s involvement in Africa, highlights the broader implications of these strategies. While Russia’s goals in Mali are more limited than France’s were, Moscow’s struggles to achieve even these objectives may cause other regimes in the region to reassess Russia as a partner. The insurgency continues to gain ground as Russia and the military leaders it supports ignore the underlying drivers, focusing instead on short-sighted security objectives.
As the conflict in Mali evolves, the deployment of drones from the Ukraine war marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the Sahel region. The effectiveness of these drones, both militarily and as propaganda tools, underscores the changing nature of modern warfare. The situation in Mali serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges and strategic shifts occurring in conflict zones around the world.
