Islamabad, January 10 - Pakistan is nearing a significant $1.5 billion defense deal to supply weapons and aircraft to Sudan, according to informed sources. This prospective agreement marks a major milestone for Pakistan's growing defense export industry, as Islamabad positions itself as a key supplier of affordable, reliable military hardware on the global stage. The package aims to bolster the Sudanese Armed Forces amid their ongoing conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, providing critical capabilities in air support, surveillance, and defense. A retired senior Pakistani air force official described the arrangement as effectively a "done deal," highlighting its advanced stage of negotiation.
The proposed transaction includes 10 Karakoram-8 (K-8) light attack aircraft, which serve dual roles as trainers and combat platforms, alongside more than 200 drones designed for reconnaissance and kamikaze-style strikes. Advanced air defense systems form another core component, offering Sudan enhanced protection against aerial threats. Additionally, the deal encompasses Super Mushshak training aircraft to support pilot development. Sources indicate that the package may also feature a number of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, the multirole aircraft co-developed with China and produced in Pakistan, renowned for their versatility, modern avionics, and beyond-visual-range capabilities.
This potential Pakistan-Sudan arms deal underscores Islamabad's expanding footprint in international defense markets, where cost-effective solutions like the JF-17 and various drone systems have gained traction among nations seeking to modernize their forces without exorbitant expenses. The agreement, if finalized, would represent one of Pakistan's largest single export contracts in recent years and reflect deepening military ties between the two nations. It comes at a time when Sudan's army requires substantial reinforcement to maintain operational momentum in the protracted internal conflict.
While neither government has officially commented on the specifics, the reported progress signals a strategic shift, with Pakistan leveraging its indigenous defense production to support allied forces abroad. Delivery timelines and exact quantities for certain items, such as the JF-17 fighters, remain undisclosed, but the overall framework promises to significantly enhance Sudan's military posture through a comprehensive infusion of aircraft, unmanned systems, and defensive technologies.
