Sudanese army deploys Turkish Bayraktar drones in Khartoum

November 30, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese army has deployed a limited number of Turkish-made Bayraktar drones in combat for the first time, a high-ranking military source told Sudan Tribune on Friday.

The source said the drones have been operational for about a month and are currently being used only in Khartoum state, where the army has been battling the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group since April 15.

The deployment marks an escalation in the arms race between the two sides, which has seen both acquire increasingly sophisticated weaponry, including drones and jamming systems.

The source said the Bayraktar drones have proven effective in targeting RSF artillery positions, destroying more than half of them in Khartoum.

“The drones have proven their effectiveness in accurately identifying targets,” the source said.

The Bayraktar TB2 is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle capable of carrying a payload of up to 150 kg (330 lb). It has a maximum speed of 220 km/h (137 mph) and a range of up to 150 km (93 miles).

The drones have been used effectively in several conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and the civil war in Libya.

The Sudanese army’s acquisition of the Bayraktar drones is likely to give it a significant advantage in the fight against the RSF, which has relied heavily on its fleet of drones.

The source said the army had also acquired a number of other weapons systems in recent months, including fighter jets and armored vehicles.

The conflict in Sudan has killed thousands of people and displaced millions more. It has also had a devastating impact on the country’s economy and infrastructure.