Turkey’s Weapons in Sudan: A Conflict Escalated by Drones and Displacement

The war in Sudan, now well into its third year, has transformed from a localized power struggle into one of the world’s most devastating humanitarian crises. At the center of this escalation is the introduction of sophisticated foreign weaponry that has altered the balance of the battlefield and deepened the suffering of civilians. Among the most notable developments is the use of Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci drones, along with electronic warfare systems, which have given the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) an edge in their battles with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). A growing body of reports and United Nations findings point to Turkey’s role in fueling the conflict, raising urgent questions about accountability, legality, and regional stability.

Turkish Drones and Their Battlefield Impact

The deployment of Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones has had a profound impact on Sudan’s war. The SAF has used these drones to target RSF artillery and supply routes in and around Khartoum, tipping the balance in areas where ground operations had stalled. Independent defense observers confirm that TB2s have become a cornerstone of the SAF’s strategy, enabling precision strikes that would otherwise be impossible.

The involvement of Turkey’s more advanced Akinci drones marks an even more dangerous shift. Capable of long-endurance flights and heavier payloads, Akinci units have been reported in operations across Darfur and North Kordofan. In July 2025, the RSF announced it had downed an Akinci over El-Fasher after it had bombed displacement camps and civilian infrastructure in Zamzam and Mellit. Whether these claims are exaggerated or not, the fact remains that Turkish systems are shaping the course of battles with devastating consequences for civilians.

Electronic Warfare and Arms Transfers

The conflict has also seen the introduction of electronic warfare systems, complicating the drone war. While the RSF has employed Belarusian Groza-S jammers to interfere with UAVs, the SAF has relied on Turkish-supplied technologies that enable drone control and targeting. Evidence of Turkish rifles and support systems surfacing in the region underscores how the flow of weapons is undermining international embargoes.

Investigative reporting has further revealed contracts between Turkey’s Baykar defense company and Sudan’s military, including deals worth over $120 million for TB2 drones, warheads, and training packages. Such revelations suggest not only direct transfers but also technical support and sustainment, raising concerns about the deliberate circumvention of international export controls. A recent United Nations Panel of Experts report confirmed the presence of newly manufactured Turkish rifles in South Sudan, despite the arms embargo in force, highlighting systemic weaknesses in monitoring and compliance.

Humanitarian Consequences and the Crisis of Displacement

While these weapons may have changed military dynamics, their greatest impact has been felt by civilians. Airstrikes and bombardments linked to drone operations have devastated displacement camps and urban neighborhoods. In El-Fasher alone, tens of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are trapped under siege, with over 6,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. UNICEF and humanitarian organizations warn that without immediate access to food and medical care, many of these children are at imminent risk of death.

The conflict has also worsened gender-based violence, with displaced women and girls increasingly exposed to sexual violence, trafficking, and exploitation. The breakdown of local governance and protection systems has left camps unsafe, while shortages of food and water have heightened vulnerability. According to UN Women, the need for services related to gender-based violence has doubled since the conflict escalated, underscoring the direct link between Turkey-backed offensives and the worsening humanitarian toll.

Migrants and Refugee Pressures

The Sudan war is not only an internal crisis but also a regional one, driving millions into neighboring countries. The exodus of refugees across borders into Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt is straining fragile humanitarian systems and destabilizing already vulnerable host communities. Migrants often face exploitation, extortion, or human trafficking as they cross conflict zones, with reports of smugglers preying on desperate families.

The use of Turkish drones has exacerbated these flows by making previously safe corridors perilous. Airstrikes on convoys and routes leading out of besieged cities have forced families to take longer, more dangerous paths. For migrants attempting to reach Europe, the conflict adds another layer of risk, with many likely to fall into the hands of traffickers along the Red Sea coast. The result is a crisis that is not contained within Sudan’s borders but ripples outward, affecting African neighbors and the European sphere alike.

Strategic and Regional Implications

Beyond the humanitarian catastrophe, Turkey’s role has broader geopolitical consequences. The Red Sea, one of the world’s most vital maritime arteries, lies at the heart of Sudan’s conflict. With Port Sudan serving as both a logistical hub and a target of drone strikes, the militarization of the coastline raises fears about maritime insecurity. Attacks on infrastructure near these waters could endanger global shipping and energy supplies, a scenario that alarms both regional and European policymakers.

The spread of drones and electronic warfare systems also risks sparking a regional arms race. Non-state actors or rival governments could gain access to similar technologies, destabilizing an already fragile Horn of Africa. For Europe, this is more than a distant concern; it threatens both migration management and maritime security, making Turkish actions in Sudan a matter of direct strategic interest.