Pakistan on verge of $1.5bn deal to provide weapons and jets to Sudan
Pakistan is on the verge of sealing a $1.5bn deal to provide jets and weapons to Sudan, aimed at supporting the army in its fight against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
A former military official and sources familiar with the deal told Reuters that it would involve the transfer of 10 Karakorum-8 light attack aircraft, more than 200 drones for scouting and "kamikaze" attacks, and advanced air defence systems.
Aamir Masood, a retired Pakistani air marshal who continues to be briefed on air force matters, told the news agency that it was a "done deal". He added that it also included Super Mushshak trainer aircraft and possibly Joint Fighter-17 jets, which were jointly developed with China and are produced in Pakistan.
Masood said it was possible that the deal's financing would come from Saudi Arabia.
"Saudi Arabia may favour and support all the favourable regimes in Gulf for procurement of Pakistani military equipment and training," he said.
New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch
Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters
However, one source said that while Saudi Arabia brokered the agreement, there was no indication it was paying for the weapons. Another source said Riyadh was not providing funds.
Reuters reported that Islamabad is in talks with Saudi Arabia over a defence deal potentially worth between $2bn and $4bn.
The development comes as Sudan’s nearly three-year-long conflict continues to be one of the world's worst humanitarian disasters.
Tens of thousands of people have been killed and nearly 13 million displaced since Sudan’s civil war broke out in April 2023, when tensions between the RSF and its erstwhile ally, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), escalated into conflict.
The United Arab Emirates has been accused of complicity in war crimes and genocide for providing military support to the RSF, which is led by Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo.
The group has been accused of widespread atrocities, including torture, rape and summary executions, leading to sanctions and accusations of genocide.
Hemedti, whose wealth was estimated at $7bn in 2023, has financial ties with the UAE, which has supported the RSF in breach of UN arms embargoes.
The SAF has also been accused of war crimes and human rights abuses.
Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.
