SOURCE: AFI
The Congolese military has reportedly placed orders for loitering munitions from an Indian private sector firm, according to a report by Africa Intelligence. While Indian media has yet to confirm these developments, the move underscores India’s growing influence in the African defence market as it competes with China to supply cost-effective and reliable weapons systems. The deal comes amid increasing dissatisfaction among African nations with Chinese-made arms, particularly due to their poor quality and inadequate after-sales support.
Sources indicate that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been engaging with Indian defence firms over the past few years, with Congolese military officials making multiple visits to India to explore its defence offerings. India has been actively promoting its indigenous weapons systems, including loitering munitions, drones, small arms, and artillery, to African countries as part of a broader strategy to counter China’s dominance in the region’s arms market. These efforts are bolstered by India’s offer of long-term financial facilities, which facilitate smoother transactions and make Indian-made systems more accessible to African militaries with constrained budgets.
Loitering munitions, often referred to as “suicide drones,” are a key focus of India’s defence exports. Developed by private sector firms such as Bengaluru-based SSS Defence and others, these systems are designed to provide precision strikes with enhanced flexibility, allowing operators to loiter over a target area before engaging. According to Africa Intelligence, the Congolese military’s interest in these munitions reflects their need for advanced, cost-effective solutions to counter insurgent groups like the M23 rebels in eastern DRC, where Chinese-made weapons have reportedly underperformed.
India’s push into the African defence market is driven by its ability to offer high-quality weapons at competitive prices, often 40% cheaper than European alternatives, as noted in earlier reports. Unlike Chinese systems, which have faced criticism for reliability issues and poor post-sales support, Indian defence companies emphasize robust after-sales services and maintenance packages, making them an attractive alternative. For instance, African nations like Nigeria have benefited from India’s $1 billion deal to modernize the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), which has enabled local production of arms and ammunition, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
The DRC’s reported acquisition of Indian loitering munitions aligns with a broader trend among African nations seeking alternatives to Chinese arms. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China has become the top arms supplier in sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 19% of imports between 2019 and 2023, driven by low costs and flexible financing. However, reports of substandard quality, such as issues with Chinese drones and armoured vehicles, have prompted countries like the DRC to explore Indian options. A 2024 report by Africa Defense Forum highlighted that Chinese weapons, including drones and armoured vehicles, are often plagued by battlefield ineffectiveness, prompting African militaries to seek more reliable suppliers.
India’s defence exports to Africa have grown significantly, reaching $1.9 billion in the financial year 2022-23, with exports to over 85 countries. The country has showcased its capabilities through events like the India-Africa Field Training Exercise (IAFTX) and defence expos attended by African military officials, where systems like loitering munitions, drones, and artillery have been highlighted. Indian private sector firms, supported by initiatives like “Make in India,” have made inroads into niche markets, including small arms and unmanned systems, previously dominated by Chinese manufacturers.
The Congolese military’s pivot toward Indian loitering munitions could also be a strategic response to the proliferation of Chinese weapons in conflict zones. A 2024 report by Jamestown noted that Chinese-made arms, supplied by companies like Norinco, have been increasingly found in the hands of rebel groups like M23 in the DRC, often funneled through neighboring countries like Rwanda and Uganda. India’s reliable and affordable systems offer the DRC a means to counter such threats while avoiding the pitfalls of Chinese equipment.
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