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 bolster Sudan’s army amid its ongoing conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
According to the sources, the proposed agreement 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 deal is being described as a major boost for Sudan’s military, which has been engaged in a brutal civil war for more than 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 could include JF-17 fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China. However, 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 was also unavailable.
Sudan has been engulfed in violence since fighting broke out between the army and the RSF, triggering what international agencies describe as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and fears growing over the fragmentation of the strategically important Red Sea nation.
Sources said Pakistan’s assistance, particularly in drones and aircraft, could help Sudan’s army regain air superiority as the RSF has increasingly used drones to seize territory. Sudan’s military has accused the RSF of receiving external support, including weapons from the United Arab Emirates, an allegation denied by Abu Dhabi.
While the financing of the deal remains unclear, Masood said Saudi Arabia could potentially play a role. One source claimed Riyadh helped broker the agreement but was not funding it, while another said Saudi Arabia was not involved financially. Saudi authorities have not commented.
Reuters has previously reported that Pakistan is in talks with Saudi Arabia over a broader defence agreement valued between $2 billion and $4 billion, fuelling speculation that the Sudan deal could be part of a wider regional arrangement.
The prospective agreement highlights Pakistan’s expanding defence exports. Last month, Islamabad reportedly signed a $4 billion arms deal with Libya, including JF-17 fighter jets and training aircraft, and has also held discussions with Bangladesh on defence cooperation.
The government views 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 from Gulf allies helped avert a sovereign default in 2023.
