A recent New York Times investigation has exposed a covert Egyptian airbase near the Sudanese border used to launch long‑range drone strikes deep into Sudan. The discovery marks a major shift in Egypt’s involvement in the conflict and highlights how foreign military support is reshaping the war’s trajectory.
The report, based on satellite imagery, flight logs, and testimonies from officials, shows that Egypt’s role has moved from political backing to direct, secretive military action.
A Hidden Base at East Oweinat
Agricultural cover, military purpose
The base is located at East Oweinat, a remote agricultural project in Egypt’s Western Desert. On the surface, it appears to be a wheat‑growing site. But satellite images reveal major upgrades since 2018:
- A second runway
- Seventeen aircraft hangars
- Satellite communication systems
These features point to a fully operational drone hub roughly 40 miles from Sudan.
Akıncı drones and long-range strikes
The investigation identifies Bayraktar Akıncı drones operating from the base. These advanced Turkish-made UAVs have:
- A range of over 4,500 miles
- A payload triple that of the TB2
- The ability to strike targets hundreds of miles away
Evidence suggests they have been conducting strikes inside Sudan for at least six months, targeting RSF convoys and positions in Darfur and Kordofan.
Egypt’s Shift Into Covert Military Intervention
Egypt has long supported the Sudanese Armed Forces diplomatically. The drone operations, however, represent a shift into active, undeclared military involvement.
The turning point appears to have been the fall of El Fasher in late 2025. As RSF forces advanced toward the Egyptian border, Cairo reportedly viewed this as a strategic “red line,” prompting the escalation of drone activity.
A Regional Conflict Becoming More Internationalized
Sudan’s war is increasingly shaped by foreign military support. The NYT investigation highlights how weapons, drones, and intelligence from multiple states are transforming the conflict into a regionalized confrontation, with Sudanese civilians caught in the middle.
This internationalization raises the stakes:
- More advanced weaponry
- Longer-range strikes
- Higher risk of escalation across borders
Humanitarian Consequences
Sudan is already facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with over 11 million people displaced. Drone strikes add new dangers for communities in Darfur and Kordofan, complicating aid delivery and increasing civilian vulnerability.
Even “precision” strikes can disrupt humanitarian corridors, fuel displacement, and deepen fear in already devastated regions.
Why These Revelations Matter
The investigation raises urgent questions:
- What legal frameworks govern cross‑border drone strikes
- How foreign intervention affects prospects for peace
- What accountability exists for civilian harm
Sudan needs diplomacy, humanitarian access, and de-escalation—not further militarization from the skies.
References
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/world/africa/egypt-sudan-drones.html