Pakistan is rapidly emerging as a formidable powerhouse in the global defence industry. In a major development reported yesterday, Islamabad is in the final phases of striking a massive $1.5 billion defence deal to supply advanced weapons and jets to Sudan.
According to sources and former top air force officials, this agreement is a “done deal”. It promises a significant boost for Sudan’s army as it battles the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in a conflict that has persisted for over two years.
The Tech Arsenal: Drones & Jets in Defence Deal
The deal highlights Pakistan’s growing technological capabilities in modern warfare. Specifically, the package encompasses high-tech hardware designed to regain air supremacy.
Key components of the inventory include:
- 10 Karakoram-8 (K-8) Light Attack Aircraft: These jets provide critical air support capabilities.
- Over 200 Drones: The shipment includes a mix of scouting units and “kamikaze” attack drones.
- Air Defence Systems: Advanced systems to fortify Sudan’s airspace.
Furthermore, the deal involves Super Mushshak training aircraft. Retired Air Marshal Aamir Masood indicated that the package could also include the coveted JF-17 Thunder fighters, which are jointly developed with China and produced in Pakistan. However, specific figures and delivery schedules for the JF-17s remain undisclosed.
This hardware is critical for Sudan. The RSF has increasingly utilised drones to erode the army’s position. Consequently, Pakistan’s supply of attack aircraft and drones offers a direct countermeasure to revive the army’s fortunes.
The Geopolitical Funding Puzzle
While the hardware is Pakistani, the funding source remains a subject of intense speculation. Sources suggest that Saudi Arabia brokered the deal.
Masood noted that Saudi Arabia might finance the procurement to support favourable regimes in the Gulf. Conversely, other sources confirmed the Saudi role in brokering the agreement but indicated they might not be providing the actual funds.
This creates a complex diplomatic backdrop. Currently, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are embroiled in a feud regarding events in Yemen. Simultaneously, Sudan’s army accuses the UAE of supplying the opposing RSF forces… a claim the UAE denies.
Pakistan’s Booming Defence Sector
This $1.5 billion contract is just the latest win for Pakistan’s defence industry. The sector has attracted significant interest and investment following the deployment of its jets in a conflict with India last year.
The government views this burgeoning industry as a vital catalyst for long-term economic stability. This strategy appears to be working, as evidenced by a string of recent high-value negotiations:
- Libya: Last month, Islamabad struck a weapons deal worth over $4 billion with the Libyan National Army, including JF-17s.
- Bangladesh: Talks are underway for a defence deal involving Super Mushshak trainers and JF-17 fighters.
- Saudi Arabia: Islamabad is currently discussing a broader defence pact with Riyadh, estimated at between $2 billion and $4 billion.
These sales are crucial for Pakistan. The country is currently in a $7 billion IMF program, having secured support after Gulf allies provided financial backing to avert a sovereign default in 2023. With this Sudan deal, Pakistan is turning its military tech into a primary export engine.
