Iran's Supply of Combat Drones to Sudan's Army Intensifies Civil War and Signals Rising Influence
Iran has reportedly supplied Sudan's army with Mohajer-6 combat drones, a development that could exacerbate the civil conflict in Sudan and indicate Iran's expanding influence in the region.
The Mohajer-6, a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), is capable of carrying precision-guided munitions and performing surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Capabilities and Features of the Mohajer-6 Drone
Developed since the 1980s, the Mohajer-6 is Iran's latest and most sophisticated drone in the Mohajer series. With a 10.5-meter wingspan, 4.7-meter length, and 1.5-meter height, the drone can reach a top speed of 200 kilometers per hour, ascend to a maximum altitude of 5,000 meters, and cover a range of up to 2,000 kilometers. It has an endurance of up to 12 hours.
Equipped to carry four 35-kilogram Qaem smart bombs with a precision of less than one meter, the Mohajer-6 can target both stationary and moving objects using infrared and laser guidance systems. It can also be fitted with cameras, radars, and electronic warfare equipment, enabling it to execute a variety of tasks such as intelligence gathering, target acquisition, battle damage assessment, and enemy communication jamming.
Potential Impact and Challenges of the Drone Transfer
The transfer of Mohajer-6 drones to the Sudanese army could significantly impact the ongoing civil war and the regional security landscape. These drones might provide Sudan's army with an advantage against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), currently advancing towards Khartoum and other key cities. Additionally, they could pose threats to neighboring nations like Egypt, Ethiopia, and Eritrea, which have vested interests in Sudan's stability and Nile water resources.
Yet, this drone transfer also brings challenges and risks. The operation and maintenance of these drones in Sudan would likely require support from Iranian advisors or allied militias, potentially making them targets for the RSF or other hostile entities and subjecting them to international sanctions and scrutiny.
Drone Transfer Impact Beyond Sudan
The drone supply could face opposition from Sudanese citizens and civil society, who are advocating for a return to civilian governance. It might also prompt responses from Iran's regional adversaries, such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel, potentially escalating their involvement in Sudan.
Iran's Regional Drone Strategy
Iran's drone supply to Sudan aligns with its history of providing drone technology to allies and proxies in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. These drones have served various roles, from attacking enemy positions to espionage. Iran has also shared drone technology with these nations, enabling them to develop or modify Iranian drones.
Unique Aspects of Sudan's Situation
The situation in Sudan differs from other Iranian drone transfers. Historically not a close ally of Iran, Sudan broke ties with Tehran in 2015 under Arab states' pressure. The current military leadership in Sudan, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has been working to mend relations with Western and Gulf countries and normalize ties with Israel.
Thus, Iran's drone supply to Sudan could be interpreted as an effort to re-establish its influence in Sudan, challenging its rivals in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa regions. Unlike war-torn states like Syria, Iraq, or Yemen, Sudan is a transitional state undergoing political and social turmoil, making the consequences of this drone transfer potentially more significant and unpredictable for the country's future, regional peace, and security.