A modern drone operator seated on a low stool or case, dual-stick controller in hand, tablet screen open in front. Eyes up at the sky between glances at the screen. Period: Modern war, 1990-present, Sahel region.
Small ISR drones (quadcopters, mini-fixed-wing) became standard kit at the company and platoon level across the 2010s and accelerated in the 2020s. Sahel operations made heavy use of them for route reconnaissance and overwatch of checkpoints.
Painting tips
- Fatigues: arid pattern.
- Controller: matte black with bright dual-stick caps.
- Tablet screen: pale grey-blue with a faint map glow.
- Sun protection: scarf or cap in muted tan.
Historical sources & further reading
- Modern small-UAS doctrine
- Sahel ISR operations references
⚠ Small parts. Not suitable for children under 14.





