Sudan Military Strikes Arms Deal With Pakistan as Its Air War Falters

Prized Bayraktar Akinci Drone Lost Over Nyala

Pakistan’s newly developed Shahpar-II unmanned aerial vehicles can carry two laser-guided missiles.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) is nearing a deal with Pakistan to acquire jets, drones, and air defense systems, according to reporting by Reuters, citing Pakistani military sources.

Sudanese military officials have pinned high hopes on the deal after recent setbacks in Darfur and the central Kordofan region, where the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are battling the army across a vast theater.

The deal with Pakistan includes more than 200 drones for scouting and kamikaze attacks, 10 Karakoram-8 light attack aircraft/jet trainers, Super Mushshak training aircraft, and potentially some JF-17 “Thunder” combat aircraft, which were developed jointly with China and produced in Pakistan.

This arms package is “a done deal,” said Aamir Masood, a retired Pakistani air marshal who continues to be briefed on air force matters, Reuters reported.

Valued at $1.5 billion, the deal highlights the Sudanese military’s desire to maintain aerial attack capabilities, despite the high price tag and the loss of nearly all the Air Force’s equipment since 2023.