China delivers three more CH-4 drones to support Democratic Republic of Congo to fight M23 rebels.

According to Military Africa on May 20, 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) received three additional CH-4 Rainbow drones from China. These medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drones will be deployed to the eastern region of the country to support military operations against the M23 rebels and the Rwanda Defence Force. This delivery follows an initial batch, with three more drones expected to arrive in the coming months, totaling nine.
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Noted for its affordability and less stringent acquisition conditions, the CH-4 drone was unveiled in 2011 and is designed for various missions including reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and strike operations. (Picture source: Chinese social media)

The CH-4, also known as the Cai Hong-4, is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). Noted for its affordability and less stringent acquisition conditions, this drone was unveiled in 2011 and is designed for various missions including reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and strike operations. The CH-4 is available in two main variants: the CH-4A, primarily for reconnaissance, and the CH-4B, which is armed for combat missions.

The drone features a piston engine driving a three-bladed propeller, providing a top speed of 235 km/h and a maximum endurance of up to 40 hours. It can carry a payload of up to 345 kilograms, including munitions such as the AR-1 air-to-ground missile and FT-9 guided bombs. The CH-4 has been used by several countries for military operations, especially against non-state actors in conflict zones.

Last year, the Congolese government revealed its plan to procure nine CH-4 attack drones, marking a significant step in its campaign against the M23 rebels. The first batch of three drones was delivered earlier, with the remaining six expected later this year. The drones will be stationed at the South Kavumu military airport, strategically located near conflict zones. In June of the previous year, a video surfaced showing three CH-4 drones and a ground control station at N'Dolo airport in Kinshasa. The footage featured one drone taxiing on the runway in front of a hangar where two other drones were parked, demonstrating their operational readiness.

The CH-4 drones, noted for their affordability and less stringent acquisition conditions, have become a viable option for nations seeking to enhance their defense capabilities, aligning with a broader trend in Africa. Countries such as Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and Ethiopia have also acquired Chinese military drones, reflecting China's goal of becoming a prominent player in the global UAV market. These acquisitions include the Cai Hong (Rainbow) family of drones, developed by CASC, which comprises various models like the CH-1, CH-2, CH-3, and the larger CH-5, each tailored for different mission profiles from basic reconnaissance to advanced combat roles.

The CH-4 can carry a payload of up to 345 kilograms, including munitions such as the AR-2 air-to-ground missile and FT-9 guided bombs. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Cai Hong series of Chinese drones has gained international attention for its practicality and ease of procurement, attracting countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. These drones are equipped with advanced avionics, synthetic aperture radars, and electro-optical targeting systems, making them suitable for a broad range of military applications. Continuous upgrades have been made to enhance their performance and capabilities, corresponding to the broader strategy announced last year by the DRC to strengthen the Congolese army's efforts against the ongoing insurgency in the east.

The eastern region of the DRC, where the drones will be deployed, is troubled by violence from numerous ethnic militias and armed groups competing for control near the borders with Uganda and Rwanda. According to the United Nations, at least 120 armed groups operate in this area, complicating efforts to achieve peace and stability.

Since February 2024, intensified clashes between the Congolese military and the M23 rebels have led to significant territorial gains by the rebels, and over 7.1 million people are now displaced across the country, with makeshift camps around Goma overwhelmed by the influx.

The campaign against the M23 rebels in the DRC has seen intensified military efforts in recent months, involving both the Congolese armed forces and UN peacekeepers. This escalation aims to counter the M23's territorial advances in the eastern regions, notably around Goma and South Kivu. The conflict has resulted in significant displacement, with over 200,000 people forced to flee their homes, exacerbating an already severe humanitarian crisis. Accusations have been exchanged between the DRC and Rwanda, with Kinshasa alleging Rwandan support for the M23 and various armed groups, a claim that Kigali denies.

The withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, and the deployment of regional forces have not stabilized the situation, with continued violence symbolized by the M23, or March 23 Movement, a rebel group that initially formed in 2012 from defectors of the Congolese army, primarily consisting of ethnic Tutsis. The group's name references a peace agreement signed on March 23, 2009, which they argue the DRC government has failed to uphold. The M23 briefly captured Goma in 2012 before being driven out by Congolese and UN forces. After a period of inactivity, the group re-emerged in late 2021, citing similar grievances. The resurgence has led to renewed violence and instability in the eastern DRC, involving regional actors and complicating efforts to achieve lasting peace.