Pakistan is reportedly finalising a multi‑billion‑dollar agreement to supply Sudan with advanced fighter jets, missiles and support equipment, a move that could reshape the balance of power in Africa’s longest‑running war. The deal, valued at roughly $1.5 billion, would see the delivery of dozens of JF‑17 Block 3 fighters, a suite of precision‑guided munitions, unmanned aerial systems and extensive training programmes. Sources close to the negotiations say the contract is within weeks of signing, even as Western nations wrestle with sanctions and diplomatic pressure over Sudan’s internal conflict. The partnership underscores Pakistan’s ambition to become a major arms exporter while offering Sudan a lifeline amid dwindling Western support. Read the full report.
Background to the Sudan conflict
Since the ousting of former President Omar al‑Bashir in 2019, Sudan has been mired in a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The clash escalated into full‑scale warfare in April 2023, prompting a humanitarian crisis that has displaced over 5 million people. International aid has been hampered by security concerns, and Western governments have largely refrained from supplying lethal aid due to the risk of exacerbating the conflict.
Pakistan’s defence export strategy
Over the past decade, Pakistan has pursued a policy of diversifying its defence exports beyond traditional buyers in the Middle East. The state‑run Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) have modernised production lines for the JF‑17 Block 3, a multirole fighter co‑developed with China. By offering attractive financing, technology transfer and joint‑production clauses, Pakistan aims to tap emerging markets that are sidelined by Western embargoes.
Details of the proposed package
The tentative agreement includes:
- 48 JF‑17 Block 3 fighter jets equipped with advanced avionics and NATO‑compatible hardpoints.
- 12,000 precision‑guided missiles (air‑to‑ground and air‑to‑air variants).
- Unmanned aerial vehicles for reconnaissance and strike missions.
- Comprehensive training for Sudanese pilots and ground crews, spanning 18 months.
- Logistics and maintenance support for a decade after delivery.
A summary of the financial breakdown, updated to the latest available data (10 January 2026), is shown below:
| Item | Quantity | Unit price (USD) | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| JF‑17 Block 3 fighters | 48 | 12,000,000 | 576,000,000 |
| Precision‑guided missiles | 12,000 | 15,000 | 180,000,000 |
| Unmanned aerial vehicles | 30 | 8,000,000 | 240,000,000 |
| Training & support package | – | – | 300,000,000 |
| Total estimated value | – | – | 1,296,000,000 |
Additional ancillary costs, such as spare parts and infrastructure upgrades, are expected to bring the final figure close to the reported $1.5 billion.
Regional and international implications
The prospective deal places Pakistan at a crossroads of geopolitics. For Sudan, the influx of modern combat aircraft could tilt the balance against the RSF, potentially prolonging the conflict but also offering a chance to restore state authority. For Pakistan, the contract promises a lucrative boost to its defence industry, yet it risks alienating key partners like the United States and the European Union, which have warned against arms transfers that may fuel instability.
Neighbouring countries, notably Egypt and Ethiopia, have expressed concern over a new source of advanced weaponry in the region. Meanwhile, China, a co‑developer of the JF‑17, is monitoring the transaction closely, as it could set a precedent for future Sino‑Pakistani defence collaborations.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s near‑completion of a $1.5 billion arms package for Sudan underscores the shifting dynamics of global defence trade, where emerging suppliers fill gaps left by traditional powers. The deal promises to enhance Sudan’s military capabilities while providing Pakistan with a strategic foothold in Africa. However, the arrangement also raises serious questions about the escalation of the Sudanese conflict, the enforcement of international arms‑control regimes, and the broader geopolitical reverberations across the Red Sea corridor. As negotiations draw to a close, the international community will be watching closely to see whether diplomatic pressure can reshape the terms or if the deal will proceed unabated.
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