Pakistan Nears $1.5 Billion Defense Deal to Supply Arms and Aircraft to Sudan: Reuters

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Pakistan is in the final stages of a $1.5 billion defense agreement to supply weapons and military aircraft to Sudan, according to a report by British news agency Reuters.

The report, citing a former senior Pakistan Air Force officer and three informed sources, said the deal would significantly strengthen Sudan’s military, which is currently engaged in intense fighting against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Reuters noted that the conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF has been ongoing for more than two and a half years and has evolved into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The prolonged fighting has drawn in multiple foreign interests and threatens to fragment Sudan, a strategically important Red Sea nation rich in gold and other mineral resources.

Under the proposed agreement, Pakistan is expected to provide Sudan with 10 Karakoram-8 light attack aircraft, more than 200 drones for surveillance and suicide missions, and advanced air defense systems, sources told Reuters.

The former PAF official said the deal would also include Super Mushshak trainer aircraft in addition to the Karakoram-8 platforms. He added that there is a possibility Pakistan’s JF-17 fighter jets could also be included, though details regarding numbers and delivery timelines remain unclear.

Reuters reported that military officials from both Pakistan and Sudan did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the proposed deal.

According to the British news agency, the agreement represents another major success for Pakistan’s expanding defense industry, which has attracted growing international interest following the reported use of Pakistani fighter jets during last year’s tensions with India.

Last month, Islamabad signed a defense export agreement worth more than $4 billion with Libya’s National Army, one of the largest arms deals in Pakistan’s history, involving JF-17 fighter jets and training aircraft. Reuters added that Pakistan has also held discussions with Bangladesh on potential defense cooperation, including the possible sale of Super Mushshak trainers and JF-17 aircraft.