Pakistan Suspends $1.5 Billion Sudan Arms Deal After Saudi Arabia Objects
Pakistan has officially paused a proposed $1.5 billion agreement to supply weapons and fighter jets to Sudan, following a direct request from Saudi Arabia to terminate the arrangement. According to reports from two Pakistani security sources and a diplomatic source, Saudi Arabia has withdrawn its financial backing for the purchase, leading to the suspension of the deal.
Background of the Sudan Conflict and Foreign Involvement
This development occurs as Sudan remains embroiled in a devastating conflict between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The war, which has persisted for over three years, has triggered what is widely considered the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Additionally, the fighting has heightened foreign rivalries in Sudan, a strategically important Red Sea nation known for its significant gold production.
Earlier in January, Reuters reported that the defence deal was in its final stages and had been brokered by Saudi Arabia, though Riyadh's role in financing the agreement was not disclosed at that time. The proposed sale was part of several defence export negotiations pursued by Pakistan's military, which gained attention after its fighter aircraft and weapons systems were highlighted during clashes with India in May of last year.
Saudi Arabia's Strategic Influence and Regional Dynamics
Saudi Arabia remains one of Pakistan's closest strategic partners, having long provided loans and financial support to stabilise Islamabad's struggling economy. Bilateral ties strengthened further with the signing of a mutual defence pact last year, which stipulates that aggression against either country would be treated as an attack on both. "Saudi Arabia has signaled that Pakistan should terminate the deal after it dropped the idea of financing it," one of the security sources stated.
Requests for comment from Saudi Arabia's government media office, Sudan's armed forces, and Pakistan's military did not receive immediate responses. Pakistan's military had not previously confirmed the negotiations and declined to comment on the report.
International Pressure and Proxy Conflicts
One source indicated that some Western countries had advised Riyadh to avoid involvement in proxy conflicts in Africa. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have supported opposing sides in various regional disputes, including the conflict in Sudan. While both countries publicly advocate for a diplomatic settlement, Saudi Arabia has backed Sudan's army, whereas the UAE has faced accusations of providing logistical support to the Rapid Support Forces, allegations that Abu Dhabi has officially denied.
The suspension of this arms deal underscores the complex interplay of international relations and economic dependencies in the region, highlighting how strategic partnerships can influence defence agreements amid ongoing conflicts.
