A Sudanese official reveals the presence of Ukrainian experts in the Sudanese army
An advisor in the Sudanese Ministry of Defense disclosed that Ukraine is contributing experts and trainers to the Sudanese army in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles. He clarified that Ukraine does not have forces fighting alongside the army, contrary to what was reported by the American network CNN a few days ago.
The advisor, speaking anonymously as he is not authorized to disclose his identity, stated that Ukrainian military experts have been training operators of the unmanned aerial vehicles recently acquired by Sudan from Turkey and Ukraine. He added that his country has protocols and military agreements with several nations that enable military cooperation and the development of defense industries in Sudan.
The Sudanese official explained that his country purchased drones of various models from Turkey before the clashes between the army and the Rapid Support Forces erupted in mid-April. The drones were intended to strengthen the Sudanese Air Force, and Ukrainian experts, sent by Ankara, trained Sudanese crews to operate the drones as per the agreement between the two countries.
He further mentioned that another recently introduced drone is the “ FVP,” also known as the “Destroyer Fly.” Ukrainian experts participated in training Sudanese army crews to operate this drone. The drone is small in size, with a range of 10 kilometers, a speed between 100 and 140 kilometers per hour, priced at one thousand dollars, and has the capability to target tanks, self-propelled artillery, and mobile combat vehicles. It can also be used for reconnaissance, directing artillery fire, and entering trenches and buildings.
He emphasized that Ukrainian experts do not participate in the actual use and operation of the drones; their role ends with training Sudanese crews who are now qualified and capable of operating them efficiently.
Significant effectiveness
He stated that these drones have inflicted significant losses on the Rapid Support Forces, destroying their weapons, equipment, and combat vehicles obtained with support from the Russian “Wagner” group and other regional forces, reaching Sudan through Libya, Central Africa, and Chad, according to his description.
He affirmed that his country is self-sufficient in light and heavy weapons and military equipment through its defense industries. Sudan has been selling them to Arab and African countries and participating in annual exhibitions.
The Sudanese army avoided commenting on the CNN investigation regarding the alleged involvement of Ukrainian forces in airstrikes against the Rapid Support Forces.
In contrast, the Rapid Support Forces denied, in a statement on Wednesday, the claims made by the American network about their forces being attacked by Ukrainian drones near the capital, Khartoum.
A report by CNN revealed that Ukrainian special forces likely carried out a series of attacks using drones, in addition to a ground operation, against the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan.
The network stated that it obtained video clips showing attacks on the Rapid Support Forces bearing the hallmarks of the Ukrainian army. Two commercially available drones, widely used by Ukrainians, were used in at least eight attacks against the Rapid Support Forces. The video clips also showed Ukrainian words on the control devices used to operate the drones that targeted the Rapid Support Forces.
CNN quoted experts saying that the military tactics used in these attacks, notably the direct and rapid assault of drones on their targets, are unfamiliar in Sudan and Africa in general.
The American network also quoted an unnamed Ukrainian military source who suggested that these attacks were not the work of the Sudanese army, speculating that Ukrainian special forces were likely behind them. CNN mentioned that Ukraine’s covert strikes in Sudan constitute a significant and provocative expansion in its conflict with Russia.
