Drones are making Sudan's war even deadlier for civilians

Drone warfare has become the deadliest threat to civilians in Sudan’s conflict, responsible for over 80% of conflict-related deaths since January, according to UN human rights chief Volker Türk. At least 880 civilians were killed by drones in the first four months of 2025, with the war—beginning in April 2023—having already claimed over 59,000 lives and displaced 13 million people. The Sudanese army and rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) rely on drones supplied by foreign actors, including potential support from China and the UAE, to strike densely populated areas. The RSF, in particular, has expanded drone attacks on Khartoum International Airport and other strategic locations, complicating peace efforts. Analysts warn that foreign-supplied technology enables both sides to escalate strikes, raising fears of a broader proxy conflict. Drone attacks have targeted critical civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, dams, schools, and displacement camps, with the Kordofan region bearing the brunt of casualties. In May alone, drone strikes killed 26 civilians in South Kordofan and over 70 in earlier attacks near el-Obeid, according to the Sudan Doctors Network. The Emergency Lawyers group reported nine drone attacks on civilian vehicles in the past 10 days, killing at least 36 people across seven provinces. The RSF began widespread drone use only last year, with satellite imagery showing the deployment of Chinese-made CH-95 and FH-95 drones. While the UAE denies supplying drones to the RSF, experts suggest its involvement due to the group’s acquisition of advanced models. The RSF’s use of drones played a key role in the deadly seizure of el-Fasher, further destabilizing the region. Analysts describe drones as a ‘force multiplier,’ enabling ground offensives and weakening enemy defenses. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project (ACLED) reported a 600% increase in drone-related deaths in 2025, with 2,670 total casualties, including civilians and combatants. The escalation underscores the war’s growing brutality and the challenges of achieving a ceasefire amid foreign-backed military advancements.