Pakistan in final stages of $1.5bn arms, jets deal with Sudan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is in the final stages of securing a $1.5 billion defence deal to supply weapons and military aircraft to Sudan, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday, a move that could significantly strengthen Sudan’s army amid its ongoing conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

According to sources, the proposed deal includes 10 Karakoram-8 light attack aircraft, more than 200 drones for reconnaissance and kamikaze-style operations, as well as advanced air defence systems. The agreement is being described as a major boost for Sudan’s military, which has been locked in a brutal civil war for over two and a half years.

Retired Pakistani Air Marshal Aamir Masood termed the agreement a “done deal”, saying it also involves Super Mushshak training aircraft and may include JF-17 fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, though details regarding quantities and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Pakistan’s military and defence ministry have not responded to requests for comment, while a spokesman for Sudan’s army also remained unavailable.

Conflict backdrop

Sudan has been engulfed in violence since fighting erupted between the army and the RSF, triggering what international agencies describe as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, displacing millions and threatening to fragment the strategically important Red Sea nation.

Sources said Pakistan’s assistance — particularly in the form of drones and aircraft — could help Sudan’s army regain air superiority, which has been increasingly challenged as the RSF expanded its use of drones to seize territory.

Sudan’s military has accused the RSF of receiving external support, including weapons supplies from the United Arab Emirates, an allegation denied by Abu Dhabi.

Possible Saudi role

While the sources did not clarify how the deal would be financed, Masood said Saudi Arabia could potentially play a role.

“Saudi Arabia may favour and support allied governments in the region for procurement of Pakistani military equipment and training,” he said.

One source claimed Riyadh helped broker the deal but was not funding it, while another said Saudi Arabia was not involved financially. Saudi authorities have not commented on the matter.

Reuters has previously reported that Pakistan is in talks with Saudi Arabia over a broader defence agreement worth $2 to $4 billion, raising speculation that the Sudan package could form part of a wider regional arrangement.

Growing defence footprint

The prospective Sudan deal underscores Pakistan’s expanding defence exports, which have gained momentum in recent years. Last month, Islamabad reportedly signed a $4 billion arms deal with Libya, one of the country’s largest-ever defence agreements, including JF-17 fighters and training aircraft.

Pakistan has also held discussions with Bangladesh on potential defence cooperation as bilateral ties improve.

The government views the growth of the defence sector as a key pillar for long-term economic stability, particularly as Pakistan remains under a $7 billion IMF programme, secured after financial support and deposit rollovers from Gulf allies helped avert a sovereign default in 2023.