# Second batch of CH-4 drones arrive DR Congo

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/05/second-batch-of-ch-4-drones-arrive-dr-congo/
- Published: 2024-05-20T07:40:52+01:00
- Author: Patrick Kenyette

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken delivery of three additional CH-
4 Rainbow medium altitude and long endurance (MALE) drone from China.

The drones will be transfered at once to the theatre of operations against the M23
and the Rwanda Defence Force in the east of the country. Three more are expected
in the coming months.

The affordability of Chinese drones, combined with the less stringent conditions
attached to their purchase, makes them an attractive option for countries seeking
to bolster their defense capabilities.

Last year, the Congolese government announced that is taking decisive action in 
its fight against the M23 rebels by [acquiring](https://www.military.africa/2023/06/drc-receives-ch-4-drones-from-china/)
nine Chinese CH-4 attack  drones. This move marks a significant step towards enhancing
the capabilities of the Congolese military in tackling the ongoing insurgency.

The CH-4 combat drone is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle(
UAV) that has the capacity to carry various weapons, including air-to-surface missiles
and bombs. The first shipment of three drones has already been delivered, while 
the remaining six are expected to arrive later this year. These drones will be stationed
at the South Kavumu military airport, strategically located within range of the 
conflict zone.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

In June last year, three CH-4s and a ground control station were seen at N’Dolo 
Airport in Kinshasha in a video, with one spotted taxiing past a hangar where another
two were parked.

ADVERTISEMENT

The DRC’s army is fighting in the restive east where ethnic militias and other armed
groups are battling for control near the borders with Uganda and Rwanda. According
the United Nations, there are at least 120 armed groups in the DRC’s restive east.

The acquisition of Chinese-made CH-4 drones by the Congolese government is not an
isolated event. Several African countries, such as [Nigeria](https://www.military.africa/2020/11/four-chinese-combat-drones-arrives-nigeria/?amp=1),
Morocco, Egypt, [Algeria](https://www.military.africa/2018/11/algerian-military-displays-chinese-made-casc-ch-4-and-ch-3-unmanned-aerial-vehicles/),
and Ethiopia, have also chosen to import and utilize Chinese military [ drones](https://www.military.africa/2023/06/drc-receives-ch-4-drones-from-china/#)
to strengthen their defense capabilities. 

### _Related_