Pakistan nears $1.5 billion arms deal to supply jets and drones to Sudan

Pakistan is finalising a $1.5 billion agreement to supply weapons and aircraft to Sudan, a former senior Pakistani air force official and three sources familiar with the negotiations told Reuters in exclusive comments.

Two of the sources said the package includes 10 Karakoram-8 light attack aircraft, more than 200 drones for reconnaissance and kamikaze strikes, and advanced air defence systems. Retired Air Marshal Aamir Masood, who is still briefed on air force matters, described the agreement as a “done deal.”

He added that, beyond the Karakoram-8s, the delivery is expected to feature Super Mushshak training aircraft and potentially some JF-17 fighter jets jointly developed by Pakistan and China, though he did not provide quantities or timelines.

Pakistan’s military and defence ministry did not respond to requests for comment, and Sudan’s army also declined to comment.

The financial structure of the deal remains unclear. Masood suggested that the transaction could be financed by Saudi Arabia, noting that Riyadh often supports military procurement and training for allied governments in the Gulf. One source said Saudi Arabia brokered the deal but provided no indication it was funding the purchase, while another source said Saudi Arabia was not supplying financial support.

Reuters has previously reported that Pakistan is in discussions with Saudi Arabia over a broader defence agreement valued between $2 billion and $4 billion, and Masood said the Sudan package could fall under such an arrangement, though he did not confirm any ongoing negotiations.

By Tamilla Hasanova