The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which had previously operated with the support of mercenaries from the Wagner Group, shot down an Il-76 military transport aircraft belonging to the Sudanese Air Force.
Apparently, the RFS used a new Chinese FK-2000 anti-aircraft missile system to shoot down the aircraft. Published photographs of a booster from this system found in the region appear to confirm it.
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The FK-2000 system was delivered to the RSF in the spring of this year. It was supplied through the UAE in order to circumvent international agreements prohibiting China from supplying weapons directly to combat zones.
At the same time, another air defense missile system from China was recently delivered to the RFS. This refers to the FB-10A — but its story is even more intriguing: it was bound for Chad, yet somehow ended up in Sudan.
Regarding the Il-76 shot down over southwestern Sudan, russian sources claim that its crew were russian civilians working there under contract. The aircraft itself was allegedly purchased in Kyrgyzstan a month and a half ago.
However, there is currently no confirmation that it was this particular aircraft. Instead, the Sudanese Air Force also has one Il-76TD at its disposal, which is painted entirely white. The wreckage of the white aircraft can be seen in the video from the crash site. A year ago, the Sudanese Air Force drew attention for its unusual use of this Il-76.
In particular, the Il-76 was used to drop aerial bombs on RSF positions, turning it into an improvised bomber. However, it turned out that the idea was not new, as russians had done this before.
Based on the available facts, the downed Il-76 may have been engaged not only in transport operations but also in an attempted bombing of RSF positions, during which it was likely hit by a Chinese air defense system. This, however, remains speculative.
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