Reuters says Pakistan nears $1.5 billion arms deal with Sudan; deal could include 10 Karakoram-8 planes and more than 200 drones
ISLAMABAD:
Military engagement with friendly countries is a routine matter encompassing various facets of defense cooperation, Pakistani security sources said on Friday, following a Reuters report claiming Pakistan was in the final stages of a $1.5 billion arms deal with Sudan.
According to Reuters, citing three sources familiar with the matter who requested anonymity, the proposed deal includes 10 Karakoram-8 light attack aircraft, more than 200 reconnaissance and kamikaze drones, as well as advanced air defense systems.
The deal was described as a “done deal” by a retired air commissioner. He told Reuters the package also included Super Mushshak trainer jets and possibly JF-17 fighter jets, although he did not provide figures or a delivery schedule.
A spokesperson for the Sudanese army did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Responding to questions, Pakistani security sources said defense cooperation with friendly states regularly covers equipment supply, training and military exchanges. They stressed that such commitments are typically disclosed through minimal public statements and should not be subject to speculation.
“Details of any such engagement are being shared sparingly and should not be conjecture,” the sources told The Express PK Press Club.
