Increased reliance on drones by terrorist organisations can be traced back to their availability and affordability in the global market. This has transformed the face of warfare, posing a considerable challenge to armies worldwide, with the African context feeling the effects more acutely.
In recent years, African security and intelligence authorities have reported a surge in the use of drones by terrorist organisations across the continent. This increase in drone utilisation is due to their advanced technological advantages and strategic capabilities, which have proven invaluable for illicit activities within the borders of numerous countries.
The proliferation of drones has allowed terrorist organisations to execute operations that were once exclusive to military and state organisations. The result is an upsurge in covert and invisible operations carried out by these groups. Drones are used in modern terrorist operations for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and expanding their knowledge base before and during field operations.
Increased reliance on drones by terrorist organisations can be traced back to their availability and affordability in the global market. This has transformed the face of warfare, posing a considerable challenge to armies worldwide, with the African context feeling the effects more acutely.
A notable example is the activities of the terrorist organisation Al-Shabaab in countries like Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. In these regions, drones are widely used as part of terrorist operations. Groups such as Boko Haram and Al-Mourabitoun, as well as newly emerging organisations in Mali, Nigeria, Niger, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and other countries, frequently employ drones during their routine activities and especially during active terrorist operations.
Terrorist organisations have evolved to become increasingly sophisticated
Given these realities, governments and international bodies in Africa are now seeking alert systems, detection, and neutralisation solutions as part of their countermeasures against these threats.
Yogev Yadin, Regional Director of Africa and Middle East at Skylock, sheds light on this critical issue:
“Terrorism, a grim reality we’ve been all too familiar with since the events of 9/11, has over the past decade ballooned to a disquieting extent in Africa. The continent, with its numerous vulnerable regions, social issues, and governance voids, has inadvertently become a breeding ground for terrorist organisations.”
“These terrorist organisations have evolved to become increasingly sophisticated, incorporating drone technology into their operations. The times when a terrorist operative had to be sent out to gather information on the enemy are behind us. Instead, drones now serve this purpose, providing critical information swiftly and efficiently. They are deployed to gather real-time data during operations, revealing the deployment of forces on the ground to the terrorists, who are then able to adjust their tactics accordingly. A task previously assigned to scout forces of informing the attackers when to strike can now be completed by a drone. Furthermore, attack drones are used to drop explosives, a tactic that’s becoming prevalent in South America and Africa alike.”
Yadin continues: “We are currently engaged in ongoing discussions with various military and security organisations in Africa to address the increasing need for effective solutions and strategies to deal with the drone threat. The significant availability of drones presents a tremendous challenge for militaries to be prepared and respond to this threat in routine operations and potential terrorist events.”
“The battle against drone-enabled terrorism is an ongoing one”
Yadin emphasises the dire need for technological solutions in Africa to counter the expanding threat of terrorism, highlighting the struggles of countries like Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Mali.
“At Skylock, we are committed to countering this escalating threat with our advanced anti-drone solutions. Our mobile systems, designed for simplicity and ease of use, can be carried by troops on the ground or mounted on vehicles, providing an early warning system for the presence of drones seeking to gather intelligence. For more substantial needs, we offer high-grade C-UAS systems suitable for bases and border security. With Africa’s extensive borders spanning hundreds and thousands of kilometres, ensuring their protection is a pressing issue.”
Skylock offers a range of C-UAS systems designed to detect and identify threats in advance, aiding in monitoring and characterising the threats faced by military forces deployed in the field, and when necessary, neutralising them. Yadin explains further: “The adaptability of our C-UAS systems to the specific requirements of different military units, whether through mobile systems for ground forces or fixed long-range alert systems, allows for versatility and enables better decision-making by field commanders. This ensures the most effective response to the escalating threats.”
“Skylock has successfully completed numerous projects and is actively working on more across Africa. Our aim is to aid and assist in the prevention of terrorism, both at the borders and throughout the entire continent. The battle against drone-enabled terrorism is an ongoing one, and Skylock is ready to support Africa in this fight.”
As the drone threat continues to grow, Skylock stands ready to help nations across Africa prepare and respond effectively, ensuring the safety and security of both civilians and military forces. The company’s commitment to providing advanced technological solutions to the challenges posed by the misuse of drones by hostile organisations is unwavering, making it a valuable partner in the fight against this evolving form of terrorism.
