Russia Using Ukrainian War Drones in Mali, Images Reveal
France 24 has obtained evidence showing that Russia is deploying drones previously used in Ukraine, such as the Lancet and Garpiya-A1, in Mali.
France 24 has obtained photographs and videos indicating the use of Russian drones in the conflict in Mali. The images show debris from a Lancet loitering munition, provided by an anonymous source from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). On April 15, the FLA, alongside jihadist group JNIM, seized the strategic city of Kidal. Since being pushed out, Russian mercenaries from the Africa Corps and the Malian army have increased drone strikes using weapons previously employed mainly in Ukraine.
According to the source, the strike occurred near Timbuktu, targeting a civilian vehicle, though this could not be independently verified. Analysis by France 24 confirmed the debris belongs to a Lancet drone, manufactured by Zala Aero, a subsidiary of the Russian Kalashnikov Group. The Lancet has been in use since 2020 and is primarily designed to destroy armored vehicles in Ukraine.
A video posted on June 19 by the Africa Corps shows a Lancet attack on a pickup truck. Experts also identified a Zala Z-16 reconnaissance drone, often used in tandem with the Lancet.
In May, a video appeared showing a Garpiya-A1 drone, a Russian long-range attack drone modeled after the Iranian Shahed. This drone is designed for fixed targets, but insurgent groups in Mali are mobile.
The Orion drone, used by Russia in both Ukraine and Mali, is better suited for counterinsurgency as it can loiter for long periods to monitor roads.
Researcher Vincent Tourret noted that the Lancet was not designed for Mali but can be used against pickup trucks. Justin Bronk from RUSI said the war in Ukraine influences the deployment of Russian equipment in Africa, as drones are produced in large quantities, are cheap, and easily available.
