Will The Iran Conflict Mean Sudan’s SAF Lose Their Drone Supply? – OpEd |
As the world’s attention is focused on the conflict in the Middle East, a catastrophic war still rages in Sudan. What impact will Iran’s war with the United States and Israel have on its ability to continue supplying the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Sudan with drones? Experts argue the Middle East war will constrain how many drones Iran can spare for General Burhan’s SAF, but not necessarily cut them off completely.
Multiple investigations and Western officials say Iran has supplied the SAF with Mohajer6 combat drones (and likely other UAVs) since early 2024, with evidence from satellite imagery and downed systems over Sudan. These drones have already played a role in SAF battlefield gains around Khartoum and other areas. Indeed some commentators think the SAF would never have been able to take back Khartoum without Iranian drones.
In January 2024, evidence emerged of an SAF drone downed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Drone expert Wim Zwijnenburg identified it as a Mohajer-6, manufactured by Iran, known for its 6.5-meter........