Sudan Enters Final Stage of $1.5 Billion Defense Deal With Pakistan: Reuters

**Islamabad (Daily Qudrat):** Sudan has entered the final phase of a major $1.5 billion defense agreement with Pakistan for the purchase of weapons and combat aircraft, according to a report by international news agency Reuters. If finalized, the deal is expected to significantly boost the military capabilities of the Sudanese army, which has been fighting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for more than two and a half years.

Reuters reported that the ongoing conflict has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, drawn in foreign interests, and raised fears of fragmentation in the strategically important Red Sea nation, which is also a major gold producer.

According to three sources familiar with the deal, the agreement includes the supply of 10 Karakoram-8 (K-8) light attack aircraft, more than 200 drones for surveillance and kamikaze missions, and advanced air defense systems. All sources requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter.

Retired Pakistan Air Force Air Marshal Amir Masood described the deal as “almost finalized,” adding that Super Mushshak trainer aircraft would also be included. He said there was a possibility that Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets, jointly produced with Pakistan, could also be supplied, though details regarding numbers and delivery schedules remain unclear.

Pakistan’s military and Ministry of Defence have not yet issued an official statement, while a spokesperson for the Sudanese army did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Experts believe that Pakistan’s provision of drones and combat aircraft could help the Sudanese army regain air superiority, which it held in the early stages of the war. In recent months, the RSF has reportedly expanded its control over territory through the use of drones, weakening the army’s position.

The Sudanese military has accused the United Arab Emirates of supplying weapons to the RSF, an allegation denied by the UAE.

**Possible Saudi Role**

Sources did not provide clear details on financing, but Air Marshal (retd) Amir Masood suggested that Saudi Arabia could potentially support the deal financially. He noted that Saudi Arabia may back Pakistani military equipment and training for its regional allies. One source said Saudi Arabia played a mediating role in the agreement, though there is no evidence it is funding the arms purchases. Another source categorically stated that Saudi Arabia is not financing the deal.

Reuters has previously reported that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are in talks over a potential $2–4 billion defense agreement, and the weapons destined for Sudan could be part of that broader framework. Saudi Arabia’s media office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Meanwhile, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are part of a US-led group seeking to mediate peace talks between the Sudanese army and the RSF. During recent visits, Sudanese army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan reportedly sought Saudi assistance in the war, a request confirmed by Sudanese and Egyptian sources.

At the same time, tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have reportedly increased following recent developments in Yemen, with both Gulf powers holding sharp differences over regional geopolitics and oil production.