France’s involvement in drone warfare in Mali forms a crucial aspect of its broader counterterrorism strategy in the Sahel region, particularly through Operation Barkhane. This military operation, initiated in 2014, aims to combat insurgent groups such as Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS). Drones have been pivotal to France’s military efforts, providing real-time intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strikes. The integration of drones, primarily MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) systems like the MQ-9 Reaper, has enabled France to conduct targeted operations against terrorist leaders and disrupt militant networks while minimising the risk to ground troops. France’s use of drones has proven vital for monitoring vast, remote areas and responding rapidly to emerging threats. However, this reliance on drone warfare has raised concerns over civilian casualties, legal implications, and the long-term effectiveness of counterinsurgency tactics. Furthermore, the growing reliance on UAVs highlights France’s broader shift towards modernised, technology-driven warfare in its former colonies. As the security situation in Mali and the wider Sahel remains precarious, the role of drones in France’s military strategy continues to evolve, reflecting both operational successes and the challenges of asymmetrical warfare.