ISLAMABAD/KHARTOUM, (HAN) — Sudan and Pakistan have signed a $230 million defense cooperation agreement that includes fighter jets, drones, and armored vehicles, marking the largest military deal between the two nations to date.
According to media reports from both capitals, the agreement covers the sale and delivery of 30 K-8 Karakorum fighter jets, 40 Shahpar-II drones, 200 MR-10 surveillance drones, and 230 Mohafiz-IV armored security vehicles to the Sudanese Armed Forces.
Under the terms of the deal, Pakistan will ship the aircraft and armored vehicles through Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast. The drones will be delivered to Wadi Sayyidna Air Base, a major military facility north of Khartoum.
Sources in Pakistan’s defense industry said deliveries will take place in several phases over the next 18 months. Technical teams from Pakistan will also be deployed to Sudan to assist with installation, maintenance, and personnel training.
The K-8 Karakorum, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, is a light attack and advanced trainer aircraft capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The Shahpar-II drone, designed by Pakistan’s National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM), is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision strikes.
The smaller MR-10 tactical drones are expected to support border monitoring and counterterrorism operations. The Mohafiz-IV armored vehicle, produced by Heavy Industries Taxila, is designed for troop protection in both urban and desert environments.
Defense officials in both countries described the agreement as a “landmark step” in strengthening military cooperation and enhancing Sudan’s defense modernization.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Defense said in a statement that the deal reflects Islamabad’s commitment to helping “friendly nations achieve self-reliance and security capacity-building.” Sudanese officials praised Pakistan for its “longstanding friendship and defense partnership.”
Analysts said the agreement could significantly boost Sudan’s air defense, surveillance, and counterinsurgency capabilities as the country faces ongoing internal conflict and regional instability. They also noted that the deal is part of Pakistan’s broader effort to expand its defense exports, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.
The two nations have cooperated militarily since the 1970s, when Sudan purchased small arms and training aircraft from Pakistan. The new agreement represents the largest and most comprehensive defense partnership between them.
While neither government released an exact delivery schedule, sources in Khartoum said the first shipment—consisting of armored vehicles and drones—could arrive in early 2026.
Both sides said they plan to continue cooperation in defense technology, training, and intelligence sharing to promote regional security and stability.
