The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has transferred a pair of Chinese-made FK-2000 short-range air defense systems to Chad.
The delivery is part of the UAE’s ongoing military support for the African country.
It includes 64 missiles and 6,000 rounds of 30 mm ammunition, according to Military Africa.
FK-2000
Developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, the FK-2000 has a range of 25 kilometers (15.53 miles) and can reach an altitude of 12 kilometers (7.45 miles).
It can engage a range of aerial targets such as cruise missiles, precision guided bombs, air-to-ground missiles, helicopters, aircraft, and unmanned aerial systems.
The truck-mounted system features two missile launchers with six surface-to-air missiles each and two automatic cannons for close-in air defense.
UAE’s Weapons Supply to Sudan
The UAE has supplied various military equipment to Chad following the signing of a military cooperation agreement with the country in 2023.
The deliveries are aimed at bolstering N’Djamena’s defense capabilities against terrorism.
However, Abu Dhabi has been accused of supplying arms to Sudan’s rebel faction, Rapid Support Forces (RSF), through neighboring countries, including Chad.
The RSF comprises militia and former paramilitary soldiers. It has been in armed conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces since 15 April 2023.
Through its support for the RSF, the UAE has been accused of undermining the democratic transition in the country that followed the ouster of Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir in 2019.
Meanwhile, Chad government officials have reportedly said that the FK-2000 will not be transferred to a third country without China’s approval.
The delivery comes as the RSF has faced setbacks against government forces, including the loss of the capital Khartoum.
The system could potentially provide a shot in the arm to the rebel group with its ability to intercept multiple targets simultaneously, particularly combat drones.
