In the ongoing conflict between Turkish-backed militias and Kurdish forces in Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have demonstrated an unexpected advantage: their rapidly developing drone capabilities. Despite facing significant pressure from the Syrian National Army (SNA) and Turkish airstrikes, the SDF has used first-person view (FPV) drones to carry out counterstrikes, significantly influencing the dynamics of the conflict.
Kurdish Drones Make Their Mark in Syria’s Northern Region
The SDF, a Kurdish-led coalition, has found itself under renewed assault from Turkish-backed militias since December 2024. These militias, primarily operating under the banner of the self-styled Syrian National Army, have launched relentless attacks on Kurdish positions, particularly in Aleppo province. Backed by Turkish drone and airstrike support, the SNA aims to capture strategic locations such as the Tishreen Dam and Qaraquzaq bridge, crucial infrastructure that could lead to a larger offensive into the Kurdish heartland in northeastern Syria.
Amidst this onslaught, the SDF has publicly showcased their use of domestically developed FPV drones to strike back. While the SDF’s drones are not as advanced as Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 drones, they have still proven to be a powerful tool, providing the Kurdish forces with a significant edge in defending their territory and neutralising key SNA positions.
Drone Warfare: A Crucial Tactical Edge for the SDF
The SDF’s drone capabilities have proven to be a game-changer on the battlefield. In one particularly impactful strike, FPV drones were used to target and destroy SNA armored vehicles, forcing the militias to retreat. The ability to launch targeted strikes with these drones has allowed the SDF to maintain pressure on SNA forces, especially in contested areas along the Euphrates River.
This innovation has also made it more difficult for the SNA to execute large-scale cross-river offensives, especially around Manbij, a city that has seen frequent clashes between the two factions. The use of drones allows the SDF to closely monitor SNA troop movements and launch preemptive strikes, disrupting their plans and making it harder for them to gain ground.
Turkey’s Support for the SNA and the Rising Cost of Drone Strikes
Turkey, a key backer of the SNA, initially relied on drone strikes to weaken the SDF’s defences. However, as the SNA began to struggle in their efforts, Turkey escalated its support by deploying fighter jets in addition to drones. The Turkish air force’s increased involvement highlights the high stakes in this conflict, especially given the strategic value of the locations under siege.
The SDF, however, has not been passive in this conflict. They have successfully shot down several Turkish drones, including Bayraktar TB2s and Aksungur drones, which were previously considered near-impregnable. This development marks a turning point in the conflict, as it demonstrates that Turkish drones no longer have free rein over Kurdish-controlled areas in Syria, a stark contrast to previous years when these drones operated with little resistance.
The SDF’s Domestic Drone Development and Self-Sufficiency
While the SDF’s drone capabilities are still in their infancy, the group has insisted that these drones are the result of domestic innovation. Despite reports from Turkish media suggesting that Iran had supplied the SDF with loitering munitions, the Kurdish forces maintain that their drone technology is homegrown, developed by fighters with extensive experience from the ISIS conflict.
The SDF’s drones are primarily FPV drones, commercially available quadcopters modified to carry explosives. These types of drones are increasingly common in modern conflicts, especially in Ukraine, where FPV drones have become one of the most effective weapons against tanks and other military vehicles. This simplicity, paired with effective modifications, has allowed the SDF to create a modest yet potent force of drone operators capable of striking high-value targets.
Kurdish Drones vs. Turkish Air Dominance: A New Battlefield Reality
Despite the ongoing Turkish air superiority, the SDF’s growing ability to counter these strikes, especially by downing drones, represents a significant shift in the dynamics of the Syrian conflict. This air defense capability is a crucial development, suggesting that the SDF may be able to gradually neutralise Turkey’s strategic advantage in the air.
In addition to its drone strikes, the SDF has proven that its anti-aircraft capabilities are improving. The recent downing of an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, which the SDF mistakenly identified as a Turkish drone, further underscores this point. While this incident highlights some of the challenges faced by the SDF in distinguishing between different drones, it also suggests that their air defense measures are becoming increasingly effective.
Future of the SDF Drone Program: A Promising but Challenging Road Ahead
The SDF’s drone program, while still in its early stages, is likely to continue evolving. As the Syrian National Army persists in its attacks, the SDF’s reliance on drones is expected to increase, potentially leading to further advancements in drone technology and tactics. Given the tactical success of FPV drones in Syria and the lessons learned from other conflicts like Ukraine, the SDF may refine its drone capabilities in the coming months.
As the conflict in Syria continues to evolve, the use of drones by the SDF represents not only a tactical advantage but also a symbol of their determination to defend Kurdish autonomy in the face of external aggression. The growing role of domestic drone development in the SDF’s military strategy reflects a larger trend towards self-sufficiency and innovation among groups fighting in modern conflicts.
Conclusion: The SDF’s Drone Capability is Here to Stay
The development of drones by the SDF is a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict in Syria. While the group’s capabilities are still modest compared to their Turkish counterparts, the ability to counteract Turkish drone strikes and carry out precision attacks using FPV drones has already proven invaluable. As the situation unfolds, the SDF’s growing drone forces could continue to shape the outcome of this protracted conflict.
With the Turkish-backed SNA pressing forward with their offensive, it is clear that the SDF will continue to rely heavily on these innovative drone strikes to protect their territory. And, in time, their drone capabilities may evolve further, becoming a more sophisticated and decisive weapon in the struggle for control of northern Syria.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
- The Role of Drones in Modern Warfare
- SDF’s Drone Strategy Against Turkish-backed Militias
- The Syrian Conflict and Drone Warfare
Photo credit: Arab Center Washington DC
