Guinea’s armed forces have taken a significant step to enhance their aerial capabilities with the establishment of a dedicated drone squadron.
On 21 July 2025, General Mamadi Doumbouya, by official decree, created the ES-DRO drone unit, which will operate under the command of the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces.
According to the decree, the main base for the ES-DRO will be located at Guinea’s primary airbase in Conakry.
Additional squadrons will be positioned at secondary airbases to support various military regions, with operational oversight provided by the Air Force General Staff.
Article 3 of the decree clarifies the command structure, stating: “The ES-DRO is placed under the organic authority of the command of the main air base of Conakry and operationally reports to the extended joint command post PCIAE through the C-30A air operations command and control center.”
Further details concerning the squadron’s missions, roles, organization, and operations will be defined in a forthcoming decree issued by the Minister responsible for national defense, as outlined in Article 4.
The creation of the ES-DRO marks a pivotal development in Guinea’s military strategy, reflecting a broader trend among armed forces worldwide to integrate unmanned aerial systems for reconnaissance, surveillance, and operational support.
This move aims to modernize Guinea’s defense capabilities, enhance rapid response, and strengthen national security amid evolving regional and global security challenges.
About The Author
