A United Nations report has revealed that Turkey’s defense company Baykar has supplied Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF) with Turkish-built drones, including the TB2 and Akıncı models. The delivery of these drones began in 2023 and reportedly involved indirect channels to avoid detection, with intermediaries such as Mali and Eritrea allegedly facilitating the transfers.
The report indicates that the shipments of military equipment to Sudan have raised concerns about violations of international arms embargoes. The use of intermediary countries has reportedly allowed the supply chain to circumvent controls and oversight measures. The drones are believed to have been used to support military operations by the Sudanese government under General Abdel Fattah “Fatwah” al-Burhan.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalation of conflict in Sudan, with military aid fueling tensions. The UN’s findings underscore the challenges of monitoring and enforcing arms restrictions amidst complex regional dynamics. Baykar, a major Turkish defense manufacturer, has not officially commented on the report, and Turkey has denied involvement in violating any international agreements.