ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is in the final stages of concluding a $1.5 billion defence deal to supply weapons and military aircraft to Sudan, according to a former senior air force official and three sources familiar with the matter.
According to writers, the agreement, if finalised, would provide a significant boost to Sudan’s military as it continues to battle the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in a conflict that has lasted more than two and a half years and triggered what the United Nations describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
Sources said the deal includes the supply of 10 Karakoram-8 light attack aircraft, more than 200 drones for surveillance and kamikaze-style missions, and advanced air defence systems. The sources requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions.
Retired Pakistani Air Marshal Aamir Masood, who said he remains briefed on air force developments, described the agreement as effectively final. He added that the package may also include Super Mushshak training aircraft and potentially JF-17 fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, though details regarding quantities and delivery timelines remain unclear.
Pakistan’s military and defence ministry did not respond to requests for comment, while Sudan’s army spokesman was also unavailable for immediate response.
Military assistance from Pakistan, particularly in the form of drones and aircraft, could help Sudan’s army regain air superiority, which it has gradually lost as the RSF expanded its drone capabilities and territorial control.
Sudan’s military has repeatedly accused the United Arab Emirates of supplying weapons to the RSF, allegations that Abu Dhabi has denied.
Possible Saudi Role
The sources did not confirm how the deal would be financed. However, Masood said it was possible that Saudi Arabia could play a role, either directly or indirectly.
“Saudi Arabia may favour supporting friendly regimes through the procurement of Pakistani military equipment and training,” Masood said.
One source claimed Saudi Arabia helped broker the deal but was not necessarily funding it, while another source said Riyadh was not providing financial backing. Saudi authorities did not respond to a request for comment.
Reuters has previously reported that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are in discussions over a broader defence agreement potentially worth $2 billion to $4 billion, and Masood suggested that arms supplies to Sudan could fall under such an arrangement.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE are part of a US-backed diplomatic group seeking to bring Sudan’s warring parties to the negotiating table. During recent visits, Sudanese army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan reportedly sought Saudi assistance for the conflict.
Tensions among Gulf powers, particularly between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, have complicated regional diplomacy, with divisions extending across Yemen, regional geopolitics and energy policy.