France to put surveillance drones over Mali

France will move surveillance drones to West Africa and is holding secretive talks with US officials in Paris as it seeks to steer international military action to help Mali's government win back the north from al-Qaeda-linked rebels,the Daily Telegraph reports.

France is turning its attention to the Sahel just as it is accelerating its pullout of combat troops from Afghanistan ahead of other NATO allies.A French defence official said on Monday that France plans to move two surveillance drones to western Africa from Afghanistan by year-end, though he did not provide details. France is also reported to have special forces in the region around Mali, and to have contracted out surveillance of Mali to a private company.

The drones are not armed. France is determined to prevent more kidnappings across Africa, where thousands of French expatriates live under the growing threat of terrorism. Intelligence Online, which first reported about the French drone deployment, has reported that France has contracted Luxembourg-based CAE Aviation to monitor parts of north Mali and western Niger.

Interesting , the MOD announced today they are sending five new MQ9 Reaper drones to Afghanistan , perhaps to replace the French ones on route to Africa. The MQ9 drones are weapon carriers while the French are recce drones only , more suitable for the job in Africa.

Interesting, cheers....