The Indigenisation of Drone Warfare in Africa explores how the future of drone warfare is shifting from who owns the hardware to who controls the software.
In this conversation, Genevieve Labuschagne and Anya Melnyk examine how affordable drone technology is reshaping the balance of power between states and non-state armed groups. They discuss why software sovereignty has become a strategic advantage, how AI and autonomous systems are changing modern conflict, and why many policymakers continue to misunderstand the realities of drone warfare.
Key Takeaways
– Drone warfare is no longer the exclusive domain of state militaries, with non-state actors increasingly deploying drone capabilities.
– The strategic advantage is shifting from airframes to algorithms, making software sovereignty a critical element of national security.
– AI, autonomy, and software ecosystems are becoming more decisive than hardware alone.
– Policymakers must rethink how they understand and regulate the rapidly evolving landscape of drone warfare.
