According to russian media, the Sudanese government has expressed its intention to “enhance military-technical cooperation with russia”, specifically by acquiring combat aircraft from russia. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that Sudan currently has active contracts with russia for the technical servicing of previously supplied equipment and the training of military aviation pilots.
Interestingly, the propagandists also state the Kremlin has “significantly strengthened its relations with Africa” this year. They highlight that the Sudanese government reaffirmed in May 2023 that the agreement, signed in December 2020, to establish a naval base for the russian Navy, remains in effect.
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The current situation provides two compelling reasons why Sudan may be interested in purchasing combat aircraft from russia. Firstly, recent turmoil between two power structures in the country reportedly resulted in the destruction of at least one MiG-29 and three Su-25 aircraft of the Sudanese Air Force, according to Oryx. Consequently, there is a need for Sudan to replenish its aircraft fleet.
Secondly, it is worth noting that a significant portion of Sudan’s combat aviation consists of Soviet and russian aircraft, which has been a historical trend. The Sudanese Air Force currently operates a fleet of 56 combat aircraft, including approximately 20 MiG-29SE fighters, 14 Su-25 attack aircraft, and 6 Su-24M/MR bombers (as of early 2022). Additionally, the country possesses 40 Mi-24 attack helicopters of various modifications and 30 multifunctional Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopters.
However, Sudan’s budget is quite modest, standing at around $500 million annually. With such limited resources, it is highly unlikely that Sudan would be able to afford even used aircraft from russia. Therefore, it appears that the Kremlin may consider providing aircraft to Sudan as a form of “barter”, exchanging them for something important to russia, such as progress in establishing a naval base in a strategically vital maritime region.
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