Sudanese Air Force Reports Successful Integration of U.S., Russian and Chinese Jets Into a Single Data Sharing Network

The Sudanese Air Force has reportedly successfully integrated combat aircraft from the United States, China and Russia into a single data sharing network, facilitating grater synergy between various platforms during combat operations. The mainstay of the Sudanese fighter fleet is currently comprised of Soviet built platforms acquired second hand from Belarus, namely MiG-29 Fulcrum multirole fighters and heavier Su-24 Fencer strike fighters - alongside approximately a dozen Su-25 attack jets. The country previously acquired J-7 single engine light fighters from China, though whether these remain in service remains uncertain. Other Chinese designs in service include the Guizhou JL-9 twin seat trainer, which is also capable of an attack role, and the Nancheng Q-5 attack jet - an advanced and heavily specialised derivative of the J-6/MiG-19. 

Regarding American military aircraft in the Sudanese inventory, Khartoum received 12 F-5E Tiger third generation twin engine multirole fighters - though at least three of these have been transferred to neighbouring states. The country also deploys a single C-130 Hercules transport. With Sudan’s relations with the Western Bloc having since deteriorated considerably, the country has been unable to receive parts directly from Western Europe or the United States. It remains a considerable possibility however that the country has been able to receive parts for both its American transports and its fighters from Iran, alongside assistance in modernisation, with Khartoum’s defence partner having developed a domestic military aviation sector capable of manufacturing parts necessary to keep American jets operational. 

Regarding the reported breakthrough in the country’s military aviation, General Salah Eldin Abdelkhaliq Saeed stated when addressing media: “Sudanese engineers have been able to make an adaptation between Eastern and Western platforms… They have even entered American, Russian and Chinese radars in one command-and-control center. We have provided all our platforms with a unified Sudanese surveillance system and Sudanese communication devices.” The General further noted that the country has had trouble operating several Western military aircraft due to economic sanctions, with the country lacking either the ability to manufacture spare parts itself or the maintenance capabilities needed to modernise them. 

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