A recent United Nations report has highlighted Turkey’s role in supplying military drones to Sudan’s armed forces, raising concerns over regional stability and conflict dynamics. The report indicates that Turkish defense company Baykar has exported unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including Bayraktar TB2 drones and later Akıncı high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) drones, to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
The Sudanese Armed Forces, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, have been engaged in ongoing internal conflicts, and the use of Turkish-supplied drones may influence the operational capabilities of the SAF. The report emphasizes the increasing proliferation of military technology through international exports, which can impact conflict zones beyond their borders.
Turkey has maintained a relatively open stance regarding its drone exports, viewing them as a significant component of its defense industry. The deployment of these drones in Sudan marks a notable example of Turkey’s expanding influence in Africa through military technology transfers. The UN inquiry calls for greater oversight and transparency to ensure such sales do not exacerbate regional instability or violate international arms control agreements.
The findings come amid broader discussions about the regulation of unmanned weapons systems and their role in modern conflicts. As countries like Turkey continue to export drone technology, international organizations stress the need for mechanisms to monitor and control their proliferation to prevent misuse and escalation in conflict-prone regions.