China Arms Sales to Africa Move Beyond Armored Vehicles Into Air Defense and Armed Drones

Chinese defence exports to Africa increasingly include air-defence systems and armed drones, with Yitian-L launchers appearing in Mali and Ivory Coast confirming Wing Loong II operations in 2026. Mali's four identified Yitian-L vehicles use a light 4x4 platform, while footage from Burkina Faso shows a separate missile system whose exact designation remains unconfirmed. Ivory Coast released imagery of two Wing Loong II aircraft at Bouaké under a contract with CATIC, adding surveillance and strike equipment beyond traditional armoured-vehicle purchases. Norinco is also expanding regional sustainment through its Senegal office and a Nigerian service centre supporting Chinese-supplied equipment.