Sudan Reportedly Signs $230 Million Arms Deal with Pakistan — Questions Remain Over Credibility

According to a report attributed to Pakistan-based outlet The Current, the Sudanese government has signed a $230 million arms procurement agreement with Pakistan — not $30 million as initially rumored. The deal reportedly covers a range of military hardware, including drones and armored vehicles.

Background: Previous Deal Suspended

The new agreement reportedly follows the suspension of an earlier arms purchase in August, which involved fighter jets and other equipment. That deal collapsed after China refused to supply HQ-9 and HQ-16 air defense systems to a party “subject to international sanctions.” A separate attempt to secure MiG-21 aircraft engines also failed when a third-country intermediary declined to provide the engines to Pakistan.

Reported Equipment in the Deal

The alleged contract includes the following items to be delivered by Pakistan to Sudan:

• 30 K-8 light attack and training aircraft
• 40 Shahpar 2 medium-range attack drones
• 200 MR-10 drones
• 230 ASV Mohafiz-IV armored vehicles

Signing and Officials

The agreement was reportedly signed on behalf of the Sudanese government by a high-level delegation led by Lt. Gen. Mirghani Idris, Director General of the Defense Industries System.

However, the original report has not been found on The Current’s official website, and defense analysts have raised doubts about the figures and feasibility of the deal, noting that Pakistan lacks export rights for Chinese-made K-8 aircraft without Beijing’s approval.