No speculation warranted on defence engagements, say security sources

Reuters claims Pakistan nearing $1.5b arms deal with Sudan; deal may include 10 Karakoram-8 jets, 200+ drones

ISLAMABAD:

Military-to-military engagement with friendly countries is a routine matter encompassing various facets of defence cooperation, Pakistani security sources said on Friday, following a Reuters report claiming Pakistan is 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, and advanced air defence systems.

The agreement was described as a “done deal” by a retired air marshal. He told Reuters the package also includes Super Mushshak training aircraft and possibly JF-17 fighter jets, though he did not provide figures or a delivery timeline.

A spokesperson for Sudan’s army did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Responding to queries, Pakistani security sources said defence cooperation with friendly states routinely covers equipment supply, training, and military exchanges. They stressed that such engagements are generally disclosed through minimal public statements and should not be subject to speculation.

“Details of such engagement are shared sparingly and should not be matters of conjecture,” the sources told The Express Tribune.