# Ugandan drone crashes in DR Congo

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/08/ugandan-drone-crashes-in-dr-congo/
- Published: 2024-08-20T11:19:30+01:00
- Author: Kazim Abdul

In the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, a military drone suspected
of originating from neighboring Uganda has crashed in Ituri Province. The Congolese
army has announced the launch of an investigation, as [Uganda has been identified by the United Nations ](https://www.military.africa/2024/08/rwanda-and-uganda-backs-m23-rebels-in-dr-congo/)
as a supporter of the M23 rebel group.

On Monday, 12 August, a military drone bearing Ugandan colors crashed in the village
of Katoni, located in the Ezekere area of Djugu territory. Images released by the
army and residents clearly show the Ugandan flag on the drone.

Lieutenant Jules Ngongo, spokesperson for the army in Ituri, announced the opening
of an investigation: “_A military drone has crashed on Congolese soil. For now, 
it appears to have originated from Uganda. We have recovered the debris from this
military aircraft and are currently analyzing it to gather more information. Was
this a reconnaissance drone? And why did it violate Congolese airspace in Ituri?
We believe a deeper investigation is necessary.”_

Although, it is not yet known the drone type that crashed, however, the wreckage
spots a Ugandan flag.

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According to **Military Africa’s Drone Procurement Dataset**, Uganda operates a 
number of tactical and long-range drones.

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This includes; 24 fixed-wing MALE Hermes 900 [acquired](https://www.military.africa/2022/03/uganda-acquires-hermes-900-surveillance-drone/)
from Israeli Elbit Systems in 2019, three VTOL [Aerosonde 4.7 acquired](https://www.military.africa/2020/05/aai-corp-awarded-contract-to-supply-aerosonde-mk4-7-to-nigeria-and-uganda/)
from US company AAI Corps in 2021, and [five Turkish VTOL Togan UAV](https://www.military.africa/2023/09/uganda-acquiring-stm-togan-drone-from-turkey/)
acquired from STM.

Uganda has bought other UAVs, including several RQ-11Bs from the United States for
use in Somalia. It also reportedly placed an order for the Aeronautics Orbiter II
UAV in 2011.

One RQ-11B Raven was lost in a crash in August 2011, another one crashed in February
of that same year.

Uganda also have a robust UAV design and development program in [partnership with China’s Norinco. ](https://www.military.africa/2024/04/uganda-and-chinas-norinco-partner-on-drone-production/)
The collaboration established a comprehensive unmanned aerial vehicle ( UAV) workshop
in Nakasongola.

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**Complete African Military [ Drone](https://www.military.africa/2024/07/turkish-stm-secures-first-export-order-for-boyga-drone-from-africa/#)
Procurement Data 1980-2024**

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_In the rapidly evolving landscape of military technology, the ability to stay ahead
of the curve is not just an advantage, it’s a necessity. [ Military Africa](https://www.military.africa/2024/07/turkish-stm-secures-first-export-order-for-boyga-drone-from-africa/#)’
s comprehensive drone dataset is the key to unlocking a wealth of strategic insights
for drone manufacturers, suppliers, and designers. This meticulously curated collection
is more than just numbers and dates; it’s a gateway to understanding the dynamics
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> [Complete African Military Drone Procurement Data 1980-2024](https://www.military.africa/2024/04/complete-african-drone-procurement-data1980-2024/)

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