A major breakthrough in Pakistan’s defense industry took place this week as Sudan signed a contract worth more than $1.5 billion with Islamabad.
The deal was finalized during the visit of Lieutenant General Pilot Al-Tahir Mohamed Al-Awad Al-Amin, Commander of the Sudanese Air Force.
He was joined by Sudan’s Air Defense Commander and representatives of the Military Industry Corporation, who held meetings with Pakistan’s Defence Minister, the Chief of Air Staff, and other senior officials.
Main Highlights of the Agreement:
The wide-ranging package reflects Sudan’s efforts to modernize its armed forces and Pakistan’s growing role as an international defense supplier. Under the agreement, Sudan will receive:
• 10 K-8 Karakorum trainer/light attack aircraft
• 20 Shahpar-2 UAVs
• 150 YIHA-III UAVs
• 50 MR-10K UAVs
• 50 Ababeel-5 UAVs
• Engines for MiG-21 fighter jets
• 150 ASV Mohafiz armored vehicles
• HQ-9 and HQ-6 air defense systems
The diversity of systems, from drones to armored vehicles and advanced air defense, underlines the depth of Sudan’s military requirements and Pakistan’s ability to supply across multiple domains.
Given the scale of the purchase, analysts keep to believe that a third-party country is likely financing the deal. While details remain undisclosed, such arrangements are not uncommon in regions experiencing protracted conflicts.
The contract also signals that Sudan’s military leadership remains committed to pursuing a military solution rather than engaging in peace talks, a move that has already sparked concern among international observers.
Pakistan’s Growing Defense Partnerships
For Pakistan, the agreement highlights a steady rise in its defense export profile. The deal comes as Islamabad strengthens defense ties not only with Sudan but also with Turkey, a country that has long supported armed forces of Sudan.
With Turkey and Pakistan increasingly aligned in defense cooperation, the new partnership with Khartoum strongly fits into a broader regional trend of military collaboration.
While the long-term impact will depend on internal stability on Sudan, the deal highlights Pakistan’s capacity to secure large-scale international contracts at a time when its defense industry is seeking new markets.
For Sudan, the acquisition marks a significant leap in military capability, though one that risks deepening its dependance on force over dialogue.