The ongoing conflict in Sudan has intensified dramatically since April 2023, transforming the landscape of warfare through the growing use of drones by both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). As advances in drone technology proliferate, these unmanned aerial vehicles have significantly altered military strategies while deeply impacting civilian life, including destruction of infrastructure and civilian casualties. This transformation highlights not just the evolving tactics in modern warfare, but also the urgent need for international intervention to mitigate human suffering and restore peace in the region.
Sudan, since the outbreak of its civil war in April 2023, has witnessed a grim evolution in its conflict dynamics as both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have increasingly relied on drones, resulting in devastating consequences for civilians. The utilization of commercially available unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has fundamentally changed the nature of the warfare, enabling combatants to execute strikes with unprecedented efficiency and reach. From crippling infrastructure to inflicting civilian casualties, the human toll of this conflict is dire.
This visual investigation by ZezapTV delves into the historical context of drone warfare in Sudan, exploring the various types of drones employed by the warring factions, their sourcing, attack venues, and the associated impact on civilian lives. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which evolved from the notorious Janjaweed militias initially mobilized by the Sudanese government to suppress Darfur’s rebellion in the early 2000s, has made a notable shift from lightweight weaponry and conventional trucks to incorporating heavy artillery and drones. This evolution has transformed their operational capabilities significantly, particularly since the commencement of the civil war, which ignited following power struggles between Army Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF Leader Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo.
Sudan’s unique terrain, characterized by flat landscapes, is especially conducive to drone operations. The SAF and RSF now utilize a diverse array of drones that range from short-range systems to advanced units capable of striking targets up to 4,000 kilometers away. This capability has allowed the RSF, for instance, to deploy Chinese-made Wing Loong II and Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones effectively across the region’s Panarab landscape.
Despite the growing prevalence of drones, the RSF lacks a formal air force. However, it is equipped with a variety of UAVs, primarily supplied by foreign allies. These include advanced Chinese kamikaze drones with substantial operational ranges, enabling high-profile strikes. Meanwhile, the Sudanese army’s drones, including Iranian Mohajer-6 models, are primarily designed for reconnaissance and precision targeting, demonstrating a strategic reliance on external suppliers for military efficacy.
The supply chains for these drones reveal a network of foreign backers engaged in smuggling operations designed to bypass embargos. While nations like Egypt, Russia, Iran, and Turkiye reportedly support the SAF, the RSF has arms supplied through various transit points by the UAE. This intricate web of foreign influence and arms dealing underscores the complexities of Sudan’s conflict, making resolution more challenging.
Experts emphasize that the drone warfare seen in Sudan marks a pivotal shift in military engagements, fostering unprecedented humanitarian crises. As crises deepen, the international community faces increasing pressure to respond proactively to avert further devastation and to assist in restoring stability and peace to a region desperately seeking it.
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