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.
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.