Saudi to Sudan: Can Pakistan expand military footprint across Arab world?

Saudi to Sudan: Can Pakistan expand military footprint across Arab world? Multiple countries have shown interest in Pakistani weapons and jets. But Pakistan won’t find it easy to deliver, say analysts. Islamabad, Pakistan - By the standards of mega arms deals, the $1.5bn deal for Pakistan to reportedly sell jets and weapons to Sudan’s military isn’t huge. But the deal, which the Reuters news agency reported in early January was close to being finalised, could prove pivotal in the grinding war that has devoured Sudan for nearly three years between the country’s armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Recommended Stories list of 4 items list 1 of 4 Why is Pakistan selling its JF-17 fighter jets to Bangladesh and others? list 2 of 4 What did India and Pakistan gain - and lose - in their military standoff? list 3 of 4 ‘Watershed’: How Saudi-Pakistan defence pact reshapes region’s geopolitics list 4 of 4 Did Pakistan shoot down five Indian fighter jets? What we know Tens of thousands of people have been killed, millions have been displaced, and RSF troops have been accused of gang rapes - including of infants. The agreement under negotiation is only the latest in a series of moves by Pakistan in recent months that demonstrate the growing footprint of its military hardware and clout in the Arab world. Pakistan’s military has, over the past few years, sold jets to multiple countries in Asia and Africa, and is in talks with others. But in the Middle East, its military role has traditionally, for the most part, involved training forces of Arab allies. That’s now changing, with a spree of deals and negotiations that could turn Pakistan into a key security provider in some cases, and give it the ability to tip the balance in delicate conflicts in other instances. But analysts warn that divisions within the Arab world mean that Pakistan will need to tread carefully - or risk burning bridges with important partners. Saudi mutual defence Anchoring this shift in Pakistan’s military influence in the Arab world is the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) the country signed with Saudi Arabia last September , weeks after Israel bombed Qatar, setting off concerns across the region over whether the United States - historically the security provider for several Gulf states - could be trusted. Since then, Reuters reports that Saudi Arabia is among the countries that have also expressed interest in Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jet. Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s wealthiest countries, operates a large and sophisticated air force equipped primarily with US and European aircraft and is in the process of ordering at least 48 US-manufactured F-35 jets , considered among the most advanced fighter aircraft currently available. But Adil Sultan, a former Pakistan Air Force air commodore, said Saudi Arabia may also be looking to diversify its defence suppliers amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. Pakistan, as a traditional ally, and with the mutual defence treaty in place, is a “reliable partner”...

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