The Sudanese Defence Ministry is reportedly in talks with Russia to acquire Su-30 and Su-35 fighter aircraft, which would be provided in exchange for rights to build a major naval facility on the Red Sea, according to Military Watch Magazine.
The development comes as Russia pushes to establish a permanent naval base in Africa, while Sudan seeks additional weapons for its ongoing conflict, despite repeated calls for a ceasefire from Western powers, particularly the United States.
Plans to procure Su-35 fighter jets were first reported in late 2017, following a visit to Moscow by then-President Omar al-Bashir.
Those plans were disrupted after his government was overthrown in early 2019 amid riots and a Western-backed coup.
The current discussions are seen as a renegotiation of a long-delayed agreement originally reached in 2020, which had been postponed due to political instability and, later, by the outbreak of war in Sudan.
Project Suspension
Russian Ambassador to Sudan Andrey Chernovol confirmed the pause, saying: “Given the current military conflict, movement on this issue has for now been halted.”
The report also noted that Russia had formally stepped back from active construction planning, prompting a reassessment of the deal rather than its cancellation.
Terms of the Original Agreement
The deal also granted Moscow the right to bring in weapons, ammunition, air-defence systems and electronic warfare equipment to support naval operations.
Fighter Aircraft Exports
Russia’s fighter exports in Africa have increased in 2025. Deliveries of Su-35 jets to Algeria began earlier this year, while leaked documents in October indicated additional sales to Iran and Ethiopia. The Su-30 aircraft is also in service with the air forces of Algeria, Ethiopia, Angola and Uganda.
Sudan’s northern neighbour Egypt previously ordered Su-35 jets in 2018 but cancelled the deal under Western political and economic pressure.
Unusual Nature of the Sudan Deal
However, Russia has not publicly documented a deal exactly like the proposed Sudan arrangement, where fighter aircraft would be supplied in exchange for rights to build and operate a naval base.
The Sudan case appears to be a rare instance of linking advanced combat aircraft supply directly to overseas military basing rights, reflecting Russia’s strategic interest in securing a foothold on the Red Sea.
Outcome of Negotiations
The outcome of the renewed negotiations remains uncertain and will depend on security conditions and the final terms agreed by both sides, even as the Rapid Support Forces have reportedly expressed support for a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which has not yet been accepted by the Sudanese Armed Forces.
