AiBotIn a recent military parade held in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) showcased a range of Iranian-made artillery systems, fueling speculation about the country’s reliance on international support in its ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The high-profile display, which featured a variety of military equipment and personnel, saw the SAF prominently display several Iranian-made Fajr-3 107mm rockets and Arash 122mm guided artillery rocket systems. The Fajr-3 missile systems were mounted on pickup trucks, while the Arash rocket systems appeared to be emplacements on a static platform.
Industry analysts have identified the Fajr-3 as a 107mm rocket artillery system developed by Iran’s Defence Industries Organization, with the capacity to fire high-explosive, anti-tank, or fragmentation rockets. In contrast, the Arash system is understood to be an Iranian copy of the Soviet BM21-Grad, a widely used 122mm rocket artillery system.
The presence of these Iranian-made systems in Sudan raises questions about the scope of Iranian military assistance to the country, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Tensions between the two entities have been escalating in recent months, with reports of clashes and civilian casualties.
Iran has long been a significant player in regional military dynamics, with a history of providing military aid to a range of countries, including those in Africa and the Middle East. The display of Iranian-made artillery systems in Sudan is likely to be seen as a significant development in this context, with analysts speculating about the potential implications for the ongoing conflict.
In a broader sense, the presence of these systems also serves as a reminder of the ongoing military modernization efforts in Sudan, as well as the country’s desire to consolidate its military capabilities. The SAF has historically faced challenges in maintaining a unified military command structure and has faced criticisms related to its logistical and operational capabilities.
As the situation in Sudan continues to evolve, the display of Iranian-made artillery systems is likely to remain a contentious issue, with implications for regional military dynamics and the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.