Kinshasa, DRC — April 22, 2026 The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is bolstering its military capabilities with the integration of drone technology, with Kyiv, Ukraine, emerging as a key recruitment hub for specialized personnel. Abu Dhabi-based private security firm Global Security Services Group (GSSG) is spearheading the recruitment efforts, targeting Colombian First-Person View (FPV) drone operators with combat experience from the Ukrainian front. Recruits are anticipated to pass through Poland, with their final destination being Goma, eastern DRC, where they will undergo training to instruct the DRC’s Armed Forces (FARDC) in drone operations.
This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the DRC’s efforts to counter the M23 rebels, who have been receiving support from Rwanda.
The involvement of Ukrainian special forces, linked to Vectus Global and Erik Prince, the founder of Blackwater, indicates a broader trend of ‘drone diplomacy’where Ukraine leverages its battlefield experience to assist international partners.
The DRC military’s pursuit of drone technology is aimed at enhancing its capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, a crucial component in its battle against the M23 rebels in the North Kivu region.
The Atlantic Council’s analysis of ‘drone diplomacy’underscores how Ukraine’s drone expertise is being strategically employed to engage with international partners, including the DRC. This collaboration is not limited to military training and technology transfer but could also extend to economic and political ties, according to Militarnyi. Com’s analysis.
The inclusion of Ukrainian drone experts in the DRC is part of a broader strategy that could have long — term implications for regional security dynamics. While the specifics of the collaboration between Ukraine and the DRC are not yet fully disclosed, the initiative is seen as a pivotal step in the DRC’s military modernization efforts.
As drone technology advances and finds applications across various sectors, the DRC’s partnership with Ukraine is poised to influence conflict resolution and peacekeeping efforts in the region.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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By This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: IntelligenceOnline
