Editing Sudanese Armed Forces

{{Short description|Combined military forces of Sudan}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox national military
| name = Sudanese Armed Forces
| native_name = {{lang|ar|القوات المسلحة السودانية|italics=no}}
| image = Insignia of the Sudanese Armed Forces.svg
| alt = 
| caption = Insignia of the Sudanese Armed Forces
| image2 = 
| alt2 = 
| caption2 = 
| motto = 
| founded = {{start date and age|1925}} (as Sudan Defence Forces)
| current_form = {{start date and age|1956}}
| disbanded = 
| branches = {{army|Sudan}}<br />{{navy|Sudan}}<br />{{air force|Sudan}}<br />[[Republican Guard (Sudan)|Republican Guard]]
| headquarters = [[Khartoum]]
| website = <!--{{URL|example.mil}}-->
<!-- Leadership -->| commander-in-chief = [[Transitional Sovereignty Council]]
| commander-in-chief_title = [[List of heads of state of Sudan|Supreme Commander]]
| chief minister_title = Commander-in-Chief
| chief minister = General [[Abdel Fattah al-Burhan]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hoffmann |first1=Anette |title=Military coup betrays Sudan's revolution: Scenarios to regain the path towards full civilian rule |url=https://www.clingendael.org/sites/default/files/2021-11/PB%20Sudan%20Coup.pdf |website=[[Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael]] |access-date=22 March 2023 |date=November 2021 |quote=commander-in-chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and chair of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council, Lt. General Abdul-Fattah al-Burhan}}</ref>
| minister = Yassin Ibrahim
| minister_title = [[Minister of Defence (Sudan)|Minister of Defence]]
| commander = Muhammad Othman al-Hussein
| commander_title = Chief of Staff
<!-- Manpower -->| age = 18
| conscription = 
| manpower_data = 
| manpower_age = 
| available = 
| available_f = 
| fit = 
| fit_f = 
| reaching = 
| reaching_f = 
| active = 300,000
| ranked = 
| reserve = 200,000
| deployed = <!-- Financial -->
| amount = $2.47 Billion (2017 est.)
| percent_GDP = 1.0% (2017 est.) 
<!-- Industrial -->| domestic_suppliers = [[Military Industry Corporation]]
| foreign_suppliers = {{CHN}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-03-10 |title=Military Industry Corporation (MIC) Official Website |url=http://mic.sd/images/products/wepons/en/MAZbn.html |access-date=2024-12-01 |archive-date=10 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310161823/http://mic.sd/images/products/wepons/en/MAZbn.html |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><br/>{{CZE}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-03-12 |title=Military Industry Corporation (MIC) Official Website |url=http://mic.sd/images/products/wepons/en/pissewar.htm |access-date=2024-12-01 |archive-date=12 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080312023536/http://mic.sd/images/products/wepons/en/pissewar.htm |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><br/>{{IRN}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dabanga |date=2014-07-06 |title='Sudan's military industry expanding': Small Arms Survey |url=https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/sudan-s-military-industry-expanding-small-arms-survey |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Dabanga Radio TV Online |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{citation|title=Iran Military Power: Ensuring Regime Survival and Securing Regional Dominance|url=https://www.dia.mil/Portals/27/Documents/News/Military%20Power%20Publications/Iran_Military_Power_LR.pdf|date=August 2019|publisher=[[Defense Intelligence Agency]]|isbn=978-0-16-095157-2|id=DIA-Q-00055-A|page=90|access-date=19 October 2020|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624172320/https://www.dia.mil/Portals/27/Documents/News/Military%20Power%20Publications/Iran_Military_Power_LR.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><br/>{{PRK}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brahy |first=Jérôme |title=Sudanese rebels capture Chinese WS-1B and North Korean BM-11 rocket launchers from the Sudanese Armed Forces |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/sudanese-rebels-capture-chinese-ws-1b-and-north-korean-bm-11-rocket-launchers-from-the-sudanese-armed-forces |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=armyrecognition.com |language=en-gb}}</ref><br/>{{RUS}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Russia Switches Sides in Sudan War |url=https://jamestown.org/program/russia-switches-sides-in-sudan-war/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=jamestown.org |language=en-US}}</ref><br/>{{TUR}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/research/2024/07/new-weapons-fuelling-the-sudan-conflict/|title=New weapons fuelling the Sudan conflict|date=24 July 2024 |publisher=[[Amnesty International]]|access-date=27 November 2024}}</ref>
| imports = 
| exports = <!-- Related articles -->
| history = '''[[List of wars involving Sudan|Military history of Sudan]]'''
*[[South Sudanese wars of independence]]
*[[First Sudanese Civil War]]
*[[Arab Deterrent Force]]
*[[Iran–Iraq War]]
*[[Second Sudanese Civil War]]
*[[War in Darfur]]
*[[Battle of Malakal]]
*[[2008 invasion of Anjouan|Invasion of Anjouan]]
*[[Sudanese conflict in South Kordofan and Blue Nile]]
*[[Heglig Crisis]]
*[[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen|Intervention in]] [[Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)|Yemen]]
*[[2019 Sudanese coup d'état]]
*[[Al-Fashaga conflict]]
*[[October 2021 Sudanese coup d'état|2021 Sudanese coup d'état]]
*[[War in Sudan (2023)]]
| ranks = [[Military ranks of Sudan]]
}}
The '''Sudanese Armed Forces''' ('''SAF'''; {{langx|ar|القوات المسلحة السودانية|Al-Quwwat al-Musallaha as-Sudaniyah}}) are the [[military]] forces of the [[Sudan|Republic of the Sudan]]. The force strength has been estimated at {{val|109300|fmt=commas}} personnel in 2011 (by [[International Institute for Strategic Studies|IISS]]),<ref name="IISS2011Sudan" /> 200,000 personnel before the current war in Sudan broke out in 2023 (by the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]]),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/military-and-security-service-personnel-strengths/|title=Military and security service personnel strengths - The World Factbook|website=www.cia.gov}}</ref> and 300,000 personnel in 2024 (by [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]]).{{Efn|Does not count the reserve forces and paramilitaries}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lodhi |first=Areesha |title=After a year of war in Sudan, what is the situation now? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/11/why-did-war-break-out-in-sudan-a-year-ago-where-does-it-currently-stand |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=[[Al Jazeera]] |language=en}}</ref>

In 2016–2017, the paramilitary [[Rapid Support Forces]] (RSF) had {{val|40000|fmt=commas}} members participating in the [[Yemeni civil war (2014–present)|Yemeni Civil War]] (of which {{val|10000|fmt=commas}} returned to Sudan by October 2019).<ref name="SudTrib_RSF_Yemen_10k_return" /> As of 2025, the SAF and RSF remain in armed conflict against one other in the [[Sudanese civil war (2023–present)|ongoing civil war in Sudan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/sudan/|title=The World Factbook|access-date=23 February 2015}}</ref>

== History ==
{{Further information|Sudan Defence Force}}
The origins of the Sudanese army can be traced to six battalions of black soldiers from southern Sudan, recruited by the British during the [[Anglo-Egyptian conquest of Sudan|reconquest of Sudan in 1898]].{{sfn|Metz|1992|p=233}} Sudan officially became the [[Anglo-Egyptian Sudan]] in 1899. The highest-ranking British officer in Egypt, known as the [[Sirdar (Egypt)|Sirdar]], also served as [[List of governors of pre-independence Sudan|Governor General of the Sudan]]. In 1922, after [[Egyptian Revolution of 1919|nationalist riots]] stimulated by Egyptian leader [[Saad Zaghloul]], Egypt was [[Unilateral Declaration of Egyptian Independence|granted independence]] by the United Kingdom. The Egyptians wanted more oversight in the Sudan and created specialized units of Sudanese auxiliaries within the [[Egyptian Army]] called al-Awtirah. This became the nucleus of the modern Sudanese Army.

The [[British Army]] formed the [[Sudan Defence Force]] (SDF) as local auxiliaries in 1925. The SDF consisted of a number of separate regiments. Most were made up of Muslim soldiers and stationed in the north, but the [[Equatoria Corps]] in the south was composed of Christians.{{sfn|Playfair|Stitt|Molony|Toomer|1959|p=168}} During the Second World War, the SDF augmented allied forces engaging Italians in Ethiopia. They also served during the [[Western Desert Campaign]], supporting [[Free French]] and [[Long Range Desert Group]] operations at [[Kufra]] and [[Jalo oasis|Jalo]] oases in the [[Libyan Desert]]. "In 1947, the Sudanese military schools were closed, and the number of Sudanese troops was reduced to 7,570."{{sfn|Aboul-Enein|2004}} In 1948, the first Arab-Israeli War broke out. Sudanese Colonel Harold Saleh al-Malik selected 250 combat-seasoned soldiers who had seen action in World War II. They arrived in Cairo to participate in a parade and were then dispatched to various units of the Egyptian army. This was a grave mistake, for the Sudanese had fought together in World War II and this broke unit cohesion. The decision was indicative of Egyptian military planners of the period. Forty-three Sudanese were killed in action in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. In 1953, the British and the new Egyptian government reached an agreement that Sudan was to be put on the path of independence. General Ahmed Mohammed became Sudan's first army chief in August 1954. This is significant for the Sudanese, for it was the first time it had an independent army that was not governed by Britain or Egypt.{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}

In July 1951, Maj Gen [[Lashmer Whistler]], Commandant of the Sudan Defence Force, wrote in ''British Army Review,'' (Issue 6, July 1951) that at that point the SDF comprised four infantry/camel units, a signals regiment, an AA artillery regiment and other units. In March 1954, British troops in the Sudan consisted of one battalion stationed in Khartoum, reporting ultimately to the Governor-General.<ref>[[British Parliament]] [https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/lords/1954/mar/10/british-troops-in-the-sudan House of Lords Debate, 10 March 1954] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090712021949/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1954/mar/10/british-troops-in-the-sudan |date=12 July 2009 }}</ref> The Governor-General's military commander was the Major-General Commanding British Troops in the Sudan, who was also Commandant of the Sudan Defence Force. In this post from 1950 onward was Major General Reginald 'Cully' Scoons.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/8041179/Major-General-Sir-Reginald-Cully-Scoones.html|title=Major-General Sir Reginald "Cully" Scoones|date=11 October 1991|work=Telegraph.co.uk|access-date=23 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224010725/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/8041179/Major-General-Sir-Reginald-Cully-Scoones.html|archive-date=24 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The last British troops, 1st Battalion [[Royal Leicestershire Regiment]], left the country on 16 August 1955.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.britishmilitaryhistory.co.uk/aqadmin/media/uploads/4afc2b2824097_British%20Troops%20The%20Sudan%20History%20&%20Personnel.pdf|title=British Troops in the Sudan}}</ref> All of the British troops were gone by the end of August 1955.{{sfn|O'Ballance|1977|p=42}}

The [[Equatoria Corps]] mutinied at [[Torit]] on 18 August 1955, just before independence, prompting the formation of the [[Anyanya]] guerilla movement and the [[First Sudanese Civil War]].{{sfn|Collins|2005|p=140}} No. 2 Company of the Equatoria Corps had been ordered to make ready to move to the north for ceremonies marking the exit of the last British troops, but instead of obeying, the troops mutinied, along with other Southern soldiers across the South in [[Juba, Southern Sudan|Juba]], [[Yei, Sudan|Yei]], [[Yombo, Sudan|Yombo]], and [[Maridi]].{{sfn|Poggo|2008|p=31, 40}} Thousands of Northern troops were flown in to suppress the mutiny, and by the month's end, the Equatoria Corps had been "eliminated".{{sfn|Robinson|2022|p=6}}

=== Independence ===
"In the aftermath of the 1954 Torit mutiny, Northern servicemen who had left the forces after the Second World War were allowed to return to the colours, and additional recruitment took place."{{sfn|Robinson|2022|page=18}}

On independence in 1956, the army was "regarded as a highly trained, competent{{nbsp}}... force, but its character changed in succeeding years." Army officers, however, had begun considering involvement in politics by the eve of independence.{{sfn|Robinson|2022|p=6}} Numbers began expanding before independence, reaching 12,000 personnel by 1959, and leveled off at nearly 50,000 in 1972.{{sfn|Metz|1992|p=234}} After independence, the military -particularly the educated officer corps- became more and more politically involved; soldiers associated themselves with parties and movements across the political spectrum."{{sfn|Metz|1992|p=234}} On November 17, 1958, the army's two senior generals, Major General [[Ibrahim Abboud]], the armed forces commander, and Ahmad Abd al Wahab, seized power in a [[1958 Sudanese coup d'état|military coup]].{{sfn|First|1970|p=222-23}} "The coup in the Sudan, far from being a take-over.. by the army, was a hand-over to the army. It was a coup by courtesy.. in response to the demand for emergency measures.." by the head of the government, [[Abdallah Khalil]].{{sfn|First|1970|p=222-23}}

The [[First Sudanese Civil War]] broke out in a series of actions in the south in late 1963 and early 1964. Attacks on police posts and convoys began in September 1963, and the higher-profile early attack on the Armed Forces came in January 1964, when rebels attacked the barracks at [[Wau, Sudan]].{{sfn|Robinson|2022|pages=9–10}} President Abboud was forced to step down following [[Republic of the Sudan (1956–1969)|demonstrations which began in mid-1964]].

During 1969, the Sudanese Army consisted of about 26,500 men, four infantry brigades of four battalions each, three independent infantry battalions, one armoured regiment, a parachute regiment, an armoured regiment and three artillery regiments.{{sfn|Institute for Strategic Studies|1971|p=43-44}} After independence, British advisers helped train the Army and Air Force, and British equipment predominated in the ground forces.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|p=344}} There were 50 [[Alvis Saladin]]s, 60 [[Ferret armoured car]]s, and 45 Commando armoured cars, about 50 25-pounders, 40 105-mm howitzers, 20 120-mm mortars, and 80 Bofors 40-mm guns.

On 25 May 1969, several young officers, led by Colonel [[Jaafar Nimeiry]], seized power in a [[1969 Sudanese coup d'état|military coup]], thus bringing the army into political control for the second time. From 1969 until 1971, a military government – the [[National Revolutionary Command Council (Sudan)|National Revolutionary Command Council]], composed of nine young officers and one civilian – exercised authority over a largely civilian cabinet.{{sfn|Metz|1992|p=235}} The council represented only a faction within the military establishment. From 1971 Nimeiri led a more civilian-based government. The first civil war ended in a negotiated settlement in 1973 by General Ismail. Sudan sent a brigade with infantry and supporting elements to the Sinai peninsula as a reinforcement to the Egyptian forces during the 1973 [[Yom Kippur War]].{{sfn|Robinson|2022|page=25}} It arrived too late, on 28 October 1973 and saw no fighting.

Diplomatic and military relations with Britain and other Western nations were broken after the June 1967 Arab–Israeli War, and the breach was filled by close military cooperation with the Soviet Union.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|p=344}} Soviet assistance coincided with a dramatic expansion in Sudan Armed Forces personnel from 18,000 in 1966 to nearly 50,000 by 1972.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|p=344}} The bulk of the equipment used by the ground and air forces throughout the 1970s until the early 1980s was of Soviet manufacture, including tanks, artillery, and MiG combat aircraft.

The [[Second Sudanese Civil War]] broke out again in 1983 and continued until 2005. The Armed Forces operated under the authority of the People's Armed Forces Act 1986.<ref>UNMIS, [http://unmis.unmissions.org/Portals/UNMIS/CPA%20Monitor/Annexes/Annex%2019%20-%20JIUs%20Act%20-%20FIXED.pdf Joint Integrated Units Act] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718104050/http://unmis.unmissions.org/Portals/UNMIS/CPA%20Monitor/Annexes/Annex%2019%20-%20JIUs%20Act%20-%20FIXED.pdf |date=18 July 2011}}</ref>

=== Al-Bashir era ===
By the time of the [[1989 Sudanese coup d'état|coup in 1989]], over fifty percent of most Army units were staffed by soldiers and NCOs from the South. Most had little commitment or dedication to the government – they joined for the sugar and other rations given to soldiers, as well as the salary. Although they often acquitted themselves well in battle, generally surrendering only when their food and ammunition were depleted, they had little stomach for offensive operations. Under President [[Omar al-Bashir]] who seized power in the 1989 coup, armed forces under the government of Sudan included the Land Forces, the Sudanese Navy, the [[Sudanese Air Force]], and the [[Popular Defence Forces]], which were formed in 1989.

The Land Forces were "basically a light infantry force in 1991, supported by specialized elements.{{nbsp}}... [C]ontrol extended from the headquarters of the general staff in Khartoum to the six regional commands (central, eastern, western, northern, southern, and Khartoum). Each regional command was organized along divisional lines. Thus, the [[5th Division (Sudan)|Fifth Division]] was at [[al-Ubayyid]] in [[Kurdufan]] (Central Command), the [[2nd Division (Sudan)|Second Division]] was at [[Khashm El Girba]] (Eastern Command), the [[6th Division (Sudan)|Sixth Division]] was assigned to [[al-Fashir]] in [[Darfur]] (Western Command), the [[1st Division (Sudan)|First Division]] was at [[Juba, Southern Sudan|Juba]] (Southern Command), and the [[7th Armoured Division (Sudan)|Seventh Armoured Division]] was at [[As Shajarah]] just south of [[Khartoum]] (Khartoum Command). The [[9th Airborne Division (Sudan)|Airborne Division]] was based at [[Khartoum International Airport]]. The [[3rd Division (Sudan)|Third Division]] was located in the north, although no major troop units were assigned to it. Each division had a liaison officer attached to general headquarters in Khartoum to facilitate the division's communication with various command elements. This organisational structure did not provide an accurate picture of actual troop deployments. All of the divisions were understrength. The Sixth Division in Darfur was a reorganised brigade with only 2,500 personnel. Unit strengths varied widely. Most brigades were composed of 1,000 to 1,500 troops."{{sfn|Metz|1992|p=245}} Keegan, writing in 1983, indicated that the northern command was located at [[Shendi]].

To reduce the pressure on the regular armed forces, the Sudanese government made extensive use of militias, such as the [[South Sudan Defence Forces]]. This largely symbolic coalition of seven groups was formed with the signing of the [[Khartoum Peace Agreement of 1997|Khartoum Peace Agreement]] with the NIF in 1997. The SSDF was led by former Garang lieutenant [[Riek Machar]].{{sfn|McEvoy|LeBrun|2010|p=13}}

In 2004, the [[Federal Research Division]] of the [[Library of Congress]] estimated that the Popular Defence Forces, the military wing of the [[National Islamic Front]], consisted of 10,000 active members, with 85,000 reserves.{{sfn|Library of Congress|2004}} The Popular Defence Forces were deployed alongside regular army units against various rebel groups. In 2005, in accordance with the provisions of the Naivasha [[Comprehensive Peace Accord]], Joint Integrated Units were formed together with the rebels of the [[Sudan People's Liberation Army]]. In this regard, Afdevinfo did report that the 1st Division at Juba had been disbanded.
[[File:Flag of the Sudanese 9th Airborne Division.svg|thumb|right|Flag of the 9th Airborne Division]]
In 2007 the [[IISS]] estimated that the SAF had 104,800 personnel supported by 17,500 paramilitary personnel.{{sfn|IISS|2007|p=293}} [[Jane's Information Group]] said in May 2009 that 'There are a number of infantry divisions, divided among [the six] regional commands. The commander of each military region traditionally commanded the divisional and brigade commanders within his territory. It is understood that there are six infantry divisions and seven independent infantry brigades; a mechanised division and an independent mechanised infantry brigade; and an armoured division. Other elements are understood to include a Special Forces battalion with five companies; an airborne division and a border guard brigade. Support elements include an engineer division.' Jane's reported the army's strength as 100,000 plus militias.<ref>Jane's World Armies, [[Jane's Information Group]], May 2009.</ref>

Jane's Sentinel reports that there are two engineer brigades supporting the 9th Airborne Division. Jane's Amphibious and Special Forces, 2010, listed the 9th Airborne Division headquartered in Khartoum which includes two airborne brigades and the 144th Special Forces Battalion, an anti-terrorist unit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Amphibious-and-Special-Forces/Special-Forces-Land-Sudan.html,|title=Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis|publisher=[[Jane's Information Group]]|access-date=23 February 2015}}{{Dead link|date=December 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> It also mentioned the two engineer brigades for special forces support. The 9th Airborne Division carried out projects north of the capital in 2022;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.suna-sd.net/read?id=733916 |title=الفرقة التاسعة المحمولة جوا تنفذمشروع طابور السير |access-date=15 December 2022 |archive-date=15 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215144612/https://www.suna-sd.net/read?id=733916 |url-status=dead }}</ref> in January 2022 it confronted demonstrators in [[Omdurman]]. In 2010 it was reported that a Republican Guard existed as a presidential security unit, led by Major General Khalid Hamad.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forums.sudaneseonline.org/cs/blogs/english/archive/2010/01/01/republican-palace-celebrates-the-change-of-the-republican-guard.aspx|title=Republican Palace celebrates the change of the Republican Guard|date=1 January 2010|access-date=4 August 2014|archive-date=8 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808055137/http://forums.sudaneseonline.org/cs/blogs/english/archive/2010/01/01/republican-palace-celebrates-the-change-of-the-republican-guard.aspx|url-status=dead}} Sudanese Online.</ref>

The SAF and government-aligned militias have fought in the [[Second Sudanese Civil War|Sudanese Civil War]], the [[Darfur Conflict]], the [[Sudan–SPLM-N conflict]] and the [[2012 South Sudan-Sudan border conflict]]. As part of the [[Yemeni Civil War (2015–present)|Yemeni Civil War]], dozens of Sudanese soldiers were reported killed in an ambush by [[Houthis]] in [[Hajjah Governorate]] in April 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20180407-rebels-kill-dozens-sudanese-troops-yemen-military-sources|title=Rebels kill dozens of Sudanese troops in Yemen: military sources|date=7 April 2018|website=France 24}}</ref>

=== Joint Integrated Units (2005–2011) ===
The 2005 [[Comprehensive Peace Agreement]] which ended the second civil war, stated that "...{{nbsp}}there shall be formed Joint/Integrated Units during the Pre-Interim and Interim Period from the SAF and the [[Sudan People's Liberation Army]] (SPLA).{{nbsp}}... These shall form the nucleus of the future Sudanese National Armed Forces, should the result of the referendum{{nbsp}}... confirm unity of the country, [otherwise] the JIUs shall dissolve with each component reverting to its mother Armed Forces."<ref>{{cite web|title=Chapter VI, Security Arrangements, paragraphs 20.1 and 20.2|url=https://unmis.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/old_dnn/cpa-en.pdf|page=111 (129 of 260)}}</ref>

The JIUs were to consist of: (Chapter VI, Security Arrangements, Paragraphs 20.13.2.1 and 20.13.2.2)
*1st Infantry Division which shall have a total strength of 9000 officers, NCOs, and men and shall be deployed in Equatoria area
*2nd Infantry Division which shall have a total strength of 8000 officers, NCOs, and men and shall be deployed in Upper Nile area
*3rd Infantry Division which shall have a total strength of 7000 officers, NCOs, and men and shall be deployed in Bahr El Ghazal area
*4th Infantry Division (unlike the other divisions, both 4th and 5th Divisions are under-strength divisions) which shall have a total strength of 6000 officers, NCOs, and men and shall be deployed in southern [[Blue Nile]] area
*5th Infantry Division which shall have a total strength of 6000 officers, NCOs, and men and shall be deployed in Southern Kordofan/Nuba Mountains
*Independent Brigade which shall be deployed in Khartoum with the total strength of 3000 officers, NCOs, and men
*There shall be formed a JIU Infantry Battalion for Abyei Area

According to the Catholic "Voice of Hope" radio station in Wau, the Salam Forces military of Major-General [[Eltom Elnur Daldoum]], who has a [[Messiria tribe|Misseriya]] background{{sfn|Young|2006|page=35}} and operated in the [[Deim Zubeir]] area,<ref name=":22">{{Cite book|chapter-url=https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/137173/MilitiasRebelsIslamistMilitants%20(Nov2010).pdf|title=Militias, Rebels and Islamist Militants – Human Insecurity and State Crises in Africa|last=Wassara|first=Samson|publisher=ISS|year=2010|editor-last=Okumu|editor-first=Wafula|location=Tshwane|page=277|chapter=Rebels, militias and governance in Sudan}}</ref> joined the Sudan Armed Forces and became part of the Joint Integrated Units in Wau during the interim period.<ref name=":21">{{Cite news|url=http://catholicradionetwork.org/?q=node/7853|title=SALAM MILITIA FORCES JOIN SPLA IN WAU|date=13 September 2012|work=Catholic Radio Network|access-date=12 January 2018}}</ref> The number of his fighters was estimated at 400.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=May 2008|title=Allies and defectors – An update on armed group integration and proxy force activity|url=http://www.smallarmssurveysudan.org/fileadmin/docs/issue-briefs/HSBA-IB-11-allies-defectors.pdf|journal=Sudan Issue Brief|volume=11|access-date=3 May 2019|archive-date=24 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324152741/http://www.smallarmssurveysudan.org/fileadmin/docs/issue-briefs/HSBA-IB-11-allies-defectors.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

After its formation, the Joint Defence Board (JDB) met for the first time in January 2006. The Board was jointly chaired by SAF and SPLA lieutenant generals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://peaceaccords.nd.edu/accord/sudan-comprehensive-peace-agreement|title=Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement – Peace Accords Matrix|website=peaceaccords.nd.edu}}</ref> The National Assembly passed the Joint Integrated Units Act on 17 January 2006. The JIUs were commanded by SPLA Major General [[Thomas Cirillo Swaka]]. But in the face of high hopes, the three most serious breaches of the CPA's permanent ceasefire resulted directly from the actions of JIU battalions and brigades.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cigionline.org/sites/default/files/ssr_issue_no2_0.pdf|title=Sudan's Aspirational Army: A History of the Joint Integrated Units|first=Aly|last=Verjee|page=4}}</ref> North/South distrust resulted in the JDB struggling to providing oversight and management of the JIUs.

With the dissolution of the JIUs following the [[Southern Sudanese independence referendum, 2011]], the SPLA components were either integrated back into the SPLA or demobilised. The SPLA components however were seen as less of a concern than the SAF components. Many of the SAF JIU personnel were former militia ('Other Armed Groups' or OAGs) who were 'aligned' rather than being formally 'incorporated' within the Sudanese Army.{{sfn|Rands|2010|p=23}} 'Aside from regular SAF units in locations such as [[Malakal]] and [[Bor, South Sudan|Bor]], many of the SAF elements of the JIUs hail from the areas where they are serving and have strong family ties in these locations. As with the SPLA components, integration into the SPLA or increased incentives to demobilize are the only options the SAF components are likely to consider—movement north being out of the question.'

=== After al-Bashir's fall (2019–2023) ===
On 11 April 2019, the Sudanese Armed Forces launched a [[2019 Sudanese coup d'état|coup]] against [[Omar al-Bashir]] after months of protests against his rule.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/11/africa/sudan-unrest-intl/ |first1= Sarah |first2=Nima |first3= Yasir |last1= El Sirgany |last2= Elbagir |last3= Abdullah |title= Sudan's President Bashir forced out in military coup |date= 11 April 2019 |publisher= [[CNN]] |access-date= 16 April 2021}}</ref> On 3 June 2019, the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by the Rapid Support Forces carried out the [[Khartoum massacre]], leaving over 128 people dead.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Walsh |first1=Declan |title=Sudan Power-Sharing Deal Reached by Military and Civilian Leaders |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/04/world/africa/sudan-power-sharing-deal.html |access-date=16 April 2021 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=4 July 2019}}</ref>

Article 10.(a) of the [[2019 Sudanese transition to democracy|August 2019 Draft Constitutional Declaration]] states that the mixed civilian–military "[[Sovereignty Council of Sudan|Sovereignty Council]] is the head of state, the symbol of its sovereignty and unity, and the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, [[Rapid Support Forces]], and other uniformed forces." Article 34.(a) states that the "armed forces and Rapid Support Forces are a national military institution that protect the unity and sovereignty of the nation" and Article 34.(b) states that the relationship between the military institution and executive authority is to be organised by the "Armed Forces Law and the Rapid Support Forces Law".<ref name="raisethevoices_4Aug2019" /><ref name="Const_Dec_En" />

On 28 October 2019, the chair of the Sovereignty Council, [[Abdel Fattah al-Burhan]], issued a decree appointing a new military top-level command, called the ''General Staff'', including Lt. Gen. Mohamed Osmana al-Hassan as Chief of General Staff; Lt. Gen. Abdallah al-Matari Hamid, Inspector General of the Armed Forces; several Deputy Chiefs of Staff; Lt. Gen. Essam Mohamed-Hassan Karar as commander-in-chief of the land forces; Rear Admiral Mahjoub Bushra Ahmed Rahma as commander of the naval forces; Lt. Gen. Essam al-Din Said Koko as commander-in-chief of the Air Force; and Major General Abdel Khair Abdallah Nasser Darjam as Commander of the Air Defence Forces. ''[[Sudan Tribune]]'' interpreted the changes in military leadership as a strategy by al-Burhan to "tighten his grip on the army after the removal of Islamist generals."<ref name="SudTrib_military_command" />

=== Sudanese Civil War (2023–present) ===
Since the outbreak of the [[Sudanese civil war (2023–present)|Sudanese Civil War]], the armed forces have garnered increasing popular support against the [[Rapid Support Forces]] from the Sudanese population, even from the staunchest critics of the military. The conflict has also deepened the SAF's reliance on [[Islamism|Islamist]] networks, which have mobilized civilians through [[Popular Resistance of Sudan|popular resistance brigades]]. The [[al-Bara' ibn Malik Battalion]] in particular has been supporting the SAF on the [[Khartoum]] front lines.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brachet |first=Eliott |date=2024-11-17 |title=The lost children of Sudan's revolution: 'We fight today alongside the men who fought us yesterday' |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/le-monde-africa/article/2024/11/17/the-lost-children-of-sudan-s-revolution-we-fight-today-alongside-the-men-who-fought-us-yesterday_6733111_124.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-11-18 |work=[[Le Monde]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Foreign relations==
===Relationship with Russia===
{{see also|Russia–Sudan relations}}
Russia has long provided military aid to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), including tanks, aircraft, and artillery. For example, the [[Sudanese Air Force]] operates Russian-made aircraft, with current inventories including 4 MiG-21M, 3 MiG-23MS, and 11 MiG-29SE fighters Sudanese Air Force. By mid-2024, Russia began favoring the SAF over the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), offering weapons for a naval base in [[Port Sudan]].<ref>https://adf-magazine.com/2024/06/sudanese-armed-forces-agrees-to-russian-red-sea-base-in-exchange-for-weapons/</ref> The relationship between the SAF and Russia deepened, with military aid focusing on sustaining the SAF's operations against the RSF. The naval base agreement, if finalized, would provide Russia with a strategic foothold in the Red Sea, enhancing its global naval presence and access to African interior supply lines. However, the role of the Wagner Group introduces complexity. Despite Russia's state-level support for the SAF, Wagner continues to engage with the RSF, as evidenced by May 2024 reports of facilitating arms supplies from the [[United Arab Emirates]] via the [[Central African Republic]]. Russia hedges bets by aiding both sides in conflict.<ref>https://theconversation.com/sudan-conflict-how-china-and-russia-are-involved-and-the-differences-between-them-205947</ref>

===Relationship with Ukraine===
{{see also|Sudan–Ukraine relations}}
Despite Sudan's initial pro-Russian stance in the UN, it supplied weapons to Ukraine after Russia's 2022 invasion. Ukraine plans to build a new embassy in Sudan to strengthen ties, reflecting mutual interests in countering Russian aggression. The Embassy of Sudan in Ukraine was established in September 2013, with an Honorary Consulate of Ukraine in Khartoum, further formalizing ties. Ukrainian special forces have been active in Sudan's civil war, focusing on operations against the Russian Wagner Group and their allies.<ref>https://www.nzz.ch/english/ukraine-claims-to-be-fighting-russia-in-a-secret-war-in-sudan-ld.1819984</ref><ref>https://www.newarab.com/analysis/why-are-ukrainian-special-forces-fighting-sudans-war</ref> Reports from sources like The Kyiv Post and CNN indicate their involvement since September 2023, with activities including drone strikes and ground attacks.<ref>https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/19/africa/ukraine-military-sudan-wagner-cmd-intl/index.html</ref> The strategic importance of Sudan for both Ukraine and Russia lies in its location and resources, with Wagner's gold mining concessions adding economic layers to the conflict. Ukraine's involvement may force Russia to divert Wagner fighters, as seen in reports of recalls from central Africa to reinforce efforts in Ukraine, potentially impacting Sudan's stability.<ref>https://www.friendsofeurope.org/insights/critical-thinking-sudan-is-this-an-even-more-geopolitical-conflict-than-ukraine-or-gaza/</ref>

== Education and training ==
The [[Sudanese Military Academy|Military Academy]] at [[Wadi Seidna]], near Omdurman,{{sfn|Robinson|2022|p=4}} had been Sudan's primary source of officer training since it opened in 1948. A two-year program, emphasizing study in political and military science and physical training, led to a commission as a second lieutenant in the SAF. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, an average of 120 to 150 officers were graduated from the academy each year. In the late 1950s, roughly 60 graduated each year, peaking to more than 500 in early 1972 as a result of mobilisation brought on by the first southern rebellion. Students from other Arab and African countries were also trained at the Military College, and in 1982 sixty Ugandans were graduated as part of a Sudanese contribution to rebuilding the Ugandan army after Amin's removal from power.

==Equipment==
{{Main|List of equipment of the Sudanese Armed Forces}}
The Sudanese Armed Forces today are equipped mainly with Soviet, Russian, Chinese, Ukrainian, and Sudanese manufactured weaponry. They have a weapons production company called the [[Military Industry Corporation]].{{sfn|Kramer|Lobban|Fluehr-Lobban|2013|p=458}} Significant data has been made available by the UN Experts' Groups on the Sudan on arms supplies to Sudanese forces.

The proliferation of small arms in Sudan originated during the occupation of the country by Ottoman and Egyptian forces and by the colonial powers, especially Britain and France, in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} Sudan had only a limited arms industry until the late 1990s, except for a production line for small-caliber ammunition.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|p=344}} Consequently, foreign sources for weapons, equipment, ammunition, and technical training have been indispensable.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} The standard issue battle rifle is now an [[H&K G3]] variant that is domestically manufactured by [[Military Industry Corporation]] and referred to as the Dinar.

The IISS reported in 2007 that the SAF had 200 [[T-54/55]] [[main battle tank]]s and 70 [[Type 62]] light tanks.{{sfn|IISS|2007|p=293}} By 2011 the total that the IISS listed was 360: 20 M-60, 60 Type 59, 270 T-54/55, and 10 'Al Bashier' (Type-85-IIM).<ref name="IISS2011Sudan" /> The 'Al-Bashier' is a licensed version of the [[Type 88 tank (China)|Type 85M-II]] tank.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://mic.sd/images/products/wepons/ar/endb/dbalbshir.htm |title=Military Industry Corporation (MIC) Official Website |access-date=5 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090401152310/http://mic.sd/images/products/wepons/ar/endb/dbalbshir.htm |archive-date=1 April 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In addition, the 'Digna'a modernisation programme for the T-55 has been reported.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mic.sd/images/products/wepons/ar/endb/dbDIGNA.htm |title=Military Industry Corporation (MIC) Official Website |access-date=19 December 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080109152907/http://mic.sd/images/products/wepons/ar/endb/dbDIGNA.htm |archive-date=9 January 2008 }}</ref> Chinese Type 96 tanks have also been known to serve in the Sudanese Army. These are by far and away Sudan's most modern and powerful tanks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKVnHnNvei0|title=sudanese tanks دبابات القوات المسلحة السوداانية|date=12 October 2011|work=YouTube|access-date=23 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503042427/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKVnHnNvei0|archive-date=3 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

The IISS reported 218 armoured cars (6 French [[Panhard AML]]-90, 60 [[BRDM-2]], 80 British [[Ferret armoured car|Ferret]], and 30 British [[Alvis Saladin]]) in 2007, alongside 15 Soviet [[BMP-2]].<ref name=SIPRI2012Sudan>{{cite web|url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|title=Arms Trade Register|publisher=SIPRI|access-date=22 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|archive-date=14 April 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> Also reported were 42 US [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M-113]], 19 US [[Cadillac Gage Commando|LAV-150]]/[[Cadillac Gage Commando|V-100 Commando]], Soviet [[BTR-152]]/[[BTR-50]], 20 Czech or Polish [[OT-62]]/[[OT-64 SKOT|OT-64]]. 104 Egyptian [[Walid (armored personnel carrier)|Walid]] were ordered in 1981–1986.<ref name=SIPRI2012Sudan />

The IISS estimated in 2011 that Sudan had 778+ artillery pieces, including 20 US [[M101 howitzer|M-101]], 16 [[122 mm howitzer 2A18 (D-30)|D-30]], Soviet [[D-74 122 mm field gun|D-74]], Soviet [[122 mm howitzer M1938 (M-30)|M-30]], and 75 Soviet [[130 mm towed field gun M1954 (M-46)|130mm M-46]]/Type-59-I.<ref name=IISS2011Sudan>IISS Military Balance 2011, 443.</ref> The IISS estimated in 2011 that the Army had 20 pieces of self-propelled artillery, including 10 Soviet [[2S1 Gvozdika]] and 10 French ([[AMX-13|AMX]]) Mk F3.<ref name=IISS2011Sudan /> [[Multiple rocket launcher]]s in service include the Soviet 122mm [[BM-21 Grad]] and the Chinese [[PHL-81]].

Also reported in 2013 were Soviet [[M43 mortar]]s (120mm). Anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons reported included a number of British-made [[Swingfire]], 54 Soviet [[9K32 Strela-2]] (SA-7 Grail), and a large number of various anti-aircraft guns.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/68/138|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709141114/http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A%2F68%2F138|url-status=dead|title=United Nations Register of Conventional Arms Report of the Secretary-General|date=15 July 2013|archive-date=9 July 2014|website=www.un.org}}</ref>

[[T-72]] main battle tanks, [[FN-6#Variants|FB-6A]] mobile air defense systems, [[9K33]] Osa mobile air defence systems, and [[Weishi Rockets#WS-1|WS1]] and [[Weishi Rockets#WS-2|WS2]] [[Multiple rocket launcher|MRLS]] have also been spotted with the Sudanese armed forces.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

Armored vehicles are produced, maintained, and repaired at the Elshaheed Ibrahim Shams el Deen Complex in Khartoum.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oryx |title=Exotic Armour: An Inside Look At Sudan's Armour Repair Facility |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2017/05/exotic-armour-inside-look-at-sudans.html |access-date=6 April 2022 |website=Oryx}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=18 March 2021 |title=Civilian firms of Sudanese army to be under government control: Hamdok |work=[[Sudan Tribune]] |url=https://sudantribune.com/article67425/ |access-date=6 April 2022 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

== Air Force ==
{{main|Sudanese Air Force}}
The [[Sudanese Air Force]] operates [[Mil Mi-24]] attack helicopters, [[Hongdu JL-8|Karakuram K-8]] training aircraft, [[MiG-29]] fighters, and [[Su-25]], [[Su-24]], [[Northrop F-5|F-5]], and [[Nanchang Q-5]] 'Fantan' fighter-attack aircraft. Soon after agreeing in November 1976 to provide Sudan with selected arms, the United States sold Sudan transport aircraft, a purchase financed by Saudi Arabia, followed several years later by F-5 combat aircraft.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}}

A long-established training centre and airbase is at [[Wadi Seidna Air Base|Wadi Sayyidna]], where No. 2 Fighter-Attack Squadron SuAF operated J-7s for a period.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WINGS PALETTE – MiG MiG-21/J-7 Fishbed/Mongol – Sudan |url=http://wp.scn.ru/en/ww1/o/14/164/0 |access-date=18 April 2022 |website=wp.scn.ru }}{{Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>{{sfn|Cooper|2003}}

The Armed Forces have suffered significant numbers of senior personnel killed in several aircraft crashes, in 2001, and in [[2012 Sudan Antonov An-26 crash|August 2012]].

==Navy==
[[File:Naval Ensign of Sudan.svg|thumb|Naval ensign]]
A visit by [[Josip Broz Tito]], the [[President of Yugoslavia]], to Sudan in 1959 helped build the impetus to create the Sudanese Navy. Yugoslavia was instrumental in the founding, training, and supply of vessels for the Sudanese Navy.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} Yugoslavia initially provided four coastal patrol boats.<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Nelson|editor1-first=Harold D.|title=Sudan, A Country Study. Vol. 550, no. 27.|publisher=Headquarters, [[Department of the Army]]|date=1982|pages=271|series=[[Library of Congress Country Studies]]}}</ref> It was eventually established in 1962 to operate on the [[Red Sea]] coast and the [[River Nile]].{{sfn|Sharpe|1999|pages=657–658}}

In 1971, British [[Defence Intelligence]] said the Navy comprised six patrol craft, two landing craft, and three auxiliary vessels with its base at [[Port Sudan]].{{sfn|Robinson|2022|page=22}}
In 1999, estimated naval strength was 1,300 officers and men. Reported bases were at Port Sudan and [[Flamingo Bay (Sudan)|Flamingo Bay]] on the Red Sea and at Khartoum. The navy had two 70-ton, 75-foot, [[Gohar-class patrol boat|''Kadir''-class coastal patrol craft]] (''Kadir'' [129] and ''Karari'' [130]), both transferred from [[Iran]] to Sudan in 1975, as well as sixteen inshore patrol craft and two supply ships:
*4 Kurmuk class patrol boats
*1 Swiftship type patrol boat
*2 ex-Yugoslav patrol boats (Kraljevica class)
*3 Sewart type patrol craft
*2 Sobat class amphibious/Transport/Supply boats

The navy, according to 2004 estimates from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, had 1,800 personnel, and a base at [[Marsa Gwayawi]] on the Red Sea.{{sfn|Library of Congress|2004|p=14}} By 2017 IISS estimates for navy personnel had fallen to 1,300.{{sfn|IISS|2017|p=539}}

== Foreign military assistance ==
Relations with the Soviets cooled in the late 1970s, and Sudan turned to China and Britain for training and equipment. In addition, Sudan received financing from Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia, for the purchase of Western equipment.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} Until 1985, however, Sudan's closest military ties were with Egypt, defined by a 25-year defense agreement signed in 1976.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} The accord provided for shared planning and staffing; the Egyptians also supplied Sudan with ammunition and various types of weaponry, such as antitank missiles and armored personnel carriers.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} Al-Bashir reaffirmed the pact after his 1989 coup, but the Egyptians declined to supply additional military aid after Sudan refused to condemn the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}}

U.S. military aid to Sudan initially consisted primarily of training a small number of Sudanese officers.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} Between fiscal year (FY) 1979 and FY 1982, military sales credits rose from US$5 million to US$100 million.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} Apart from aircraft, the United States provided Sudan with artillery, armored personnel carriers, Commando armored cars, and M–60 tanks.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} U.S. grant aid reached a peak of US$101 million in FY 1982.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} Sudan granted the United States naval facilities at [[Port Sudan]] and gave the [[United States Central Command]] some airport-prepositioning rights for military equipment for contingent use.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} In 1981 and 1983, Sudanese and U.S. forces participated in the multi-national [[Exercise Bright Star]] maneuvers.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}}

The United States reduced military grants and credits when the Southern Sudanese civil war resumed in 1983.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} After FY 1987, no assistance was extended with the exception of less than US$1 million annually for advanced training for SAF officers and maintenance for previously supplied equipment.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} Washington suspended military aid in 1989 under a provision of the United States Foreign Assistance Act that prohibits assistance to countries in arrears on interest payments on previous loans.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} In March 1990, the United States invoked a provision of the act barring aid to regimes that overthrow a democratic government.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} The United States terminated arms sales to Sudan in late 1992, while the European Union instituted an arms embargo against Sudan in 1994.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} These actions, however, had no impact on Sudan's ability to replenish its arsenals.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}}

According to the U.S. [[Arms Control and Disarmament Agency]], Sudan obtained about US$350 million in military arms and equipment between 1983 and 1988.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} The United States was the largest supplier, accounting for US$120 million.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} China and France each provided US$30 million and Britain, US$10 million.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} About US$160 million came from unidentified sources, probably largely from Egypt and Libya, and as purchases from other Western suppliers financed by Arab countries.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}}

Various Middle East and Gulf countries, particularly Iran and Libya but also Egypt, provided more than US$2 billion in "economic aid" in the 1970s, much of which Khartoum used to buy weapons.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} Additionally, each of Sudan's neighbors provided weapons and/or sanctuary to various anti-Khartoum rebel groups and militias.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} Since the early 1990s, at least 34 countries have exported ammunition, light arms, and small arms to Sudan.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} In more recent years, reliable sources have suggested that there were between 1.9 and 3.2 million small arms in Sudan.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} About one-fifth of these weapons were held by the Sudanese government and/or pro-Khartoum militias.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}}

Sudan constituted one of Africa's major consumers of weapons in the early 2000s.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} As was the case in earlier decades, Sudan continued to rely on an array of suppliers, among them Belarus, China, Egypt, Iran, Romania, Russia, Poland, and South Africa, for ammunition, armored vehicles, helicopters, howitzers, infantry fighting vehicles, attack and fighter aircraft, multiple rocket launchers, main battle tanks, and transport aircraft.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} Additionally, China supervised arms assembly and assisted in the construction of weapons factories.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}}

Sudan manufactured at least a small amount of ammunition for light weapons in the early 1960s, but the country's capacity to produce arms greatly expanded with the opening of the GIAD industrial city south of Khartoum in October 2000.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} Under the auspices of the Military Industry Corporation within the Ministry of Defense, engineering and industrial enterprises produced or imported a range of equipment and technology for ground and air forces.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} Although information was limited, in the early 2000s this equipment included heavy and light artillery, antitank and antiaircraft guns, machine guns and small arms, tanks, and armored personnel carriers, as well as ammunition for these weapons; the country also had acquired the ability to assemble and maintain aircraft, including fighter and cargo airplanes and helicopters.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}}

The SPLM/A, under the late John Garang's leadership, regularly accused the SAF of using chemical weapons in South Sudan, but these allegations were never substantiated.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} The same was true of the U.S. charge in 1998 that the al-Shifa Pharmaceuticals Industries factory in Khartoum North was developing chemical weapons or precursor chemicals, a claim that led to the United States bombing of the plant.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} Similarly, news reports in 2004 that Sudanese and Syrian troops had tested chemical weapons against civilians in Darfur were never confirmed.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}} Some independent observers maintain that Garang on his part used the chemical-weapons issue as a disinformation campaign against Khartoum and Washington.{{sfn|Ofcansky|2015|pages=344–347}}

The [[UAE]] in recent years has supplied arms to both the [[Rapid Support Forces|RSF]] and the SAF, which has created clashes in Sudan. Since 2014, The UAE supplied arms and also trained RSF members for using heavy weapons. On 25 April 2023, footage emerged of thermobaric shells captured by Sudanese army, which shows its manufacturing in [[Serbia]] in the year 2020, then supplied through the UAE to Sudan. Sudanese military received training by Egyptian forces. On the contrary Egypt also mediated the ceasefire as per the Egyptian source.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.military.africa/2023/04/the-uae-sold-arms-to-both-warring-parties-in-sudan/?amp=1|title=The UAE sold arms to both warring parties in Sudan|accessdate=25 April 2023|website=Military Africa|date=22 April 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/04/18/sudan-war-news-uae-arming-rebels-thermobaric-bombs/|title= Day-long ceasefire agreed in Sudan amid civil war fears|accessdate=18 April 2023|website=Telegraph|date= 18 April 2023|last1= MacDiarmid|first1= Campbell}}</ref>

== Uniforms, ranks, and insignia ==
{{Main|Military ranks of Sudan}}
Before 1970 the highest officer grade in the rank structure was that of [[Ferik (rank)|fariq]] (equivalent to a [[lieutenant general]]), but new grades were added when [[Jaafar Nimeiry|Nimeiri]] became a [[General officer|general]] and, later, a [[field marshal]]. As of 1991, however, there were no officers higher than lieutenant general, and only five, including Bashir, at that rank.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=1992 |title=Sudan: A Country Study |url=https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/public/gdcmassbookdig/sudancountrystud00metz/sudancountrystud00metz_djvu.txt |access-date=29 July 2023 |publisher=Federal Research Division, Library of Congress}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>

The army service uniform was dark green, with insignia of rank displayed in gold on shoulder boards. It differed only slightly from police officer uniforms, which were another shade of green with black shoulder boards. A green beret was standard in the army except for airborne units, which wore red berets. The police wore black berets. Officers of field grade and above frequently wore [[service cap]]s. The air force uniform was blue, although the insignia of rank were the same as for the army. The standard naval uniform was white with blue shoulder boards.<ref name=":0" />

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|refs=

<ref name="raisethevoices_4Aug2019">{{cite web  |last1 = FFC|last2 = TMC |author1-link = Forces of Freedom and Change |author2-link = Transitional Military Council (2019) | title = (الدستوري Declaration (العربية)) | trans-title = (Constitutional Declaration) |language = ar | website= raisethevoices.org |date =4 August 2019 | url = http://raisethevoices.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sudan-amendment.pdf | access-date = 5 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805170905/http://raisethevoices.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sudan-amendment.pdf |archive-date= 5 August 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Const_Dec_En">{{cite web | last1 = FFC | last2 = TMC | last3 = IDEA | last4 = Reeves | first4 = Eric | author1-link = Forces of Freedom and Change | author2-link = Transitional Military Council (2019) | author3-link = International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance | author4-link = Eric Reeves | title = Sudan: Draft Constitutional Charter for the 2019 Transitional Period | website = sudanreeves.org | date = 10 August 2019 | url = https://sudanreeves.org/2019/08/06/sudan-draft-constitutional-charter-for-the-2019-transitional-period/ | access-date = 10 August 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190810213233/https://sudanreeves.org/2019/08/06/sudan-draft-constitutional-charter-for-the-2019-transitional-period/ | archive-date = 10 August 2019 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

<ref name="SudTrib_military_command">{{cite news | title= Sudan reforms military command structure |trans-title = <!-- trans-title is the English translatoin --> | date= 29 October 2019 |newspaper= [[Sudan Tribune]] | url= https://sudantribune.com/spip.php?article68395 |access-date= 30 October 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191030012302/https://sudantribune.com/spip.php?article68395 |archive-date= 30 October 2019 |url-status=live <!-- live|dead|unfit|usurped -->}}</ref>

<ref name="SudTrib_RSF_Yemen_10k_return">{{cite news | title= Sudan withdraws 10,000 troops from Yemen |trans-title = <!-- trans-title is the English translatoin --> | date= 30 October 2019 |newspaper= [[Sudan Tribune]] | url= https://sudantribune.com/article66528/ |access-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191031014137/https://sudantribune.com/article66528/ |archive-date= 31 October 2019 |url-status=live <!-- live|dead|unfit|usurped -->}}</ref>

}}
* {{CIA World Factbook|year=2007}}
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite journal |last=Aboul-Enein |first=Youssef |title=The Sudanese Army: a historical analysis and discussion on religious politicization |journal=Infantry [U.S. Army] |volume=93, No. 4 |issue=July–August 2004 |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0IAV/is_4_93/ai_n6362167/?tag=content;col1 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708100752/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0IAV/is_4_93/ai_n6362167/?tag=content;col1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 July 2012 |year=2004}}
* {{cite book|last=Collins|first=Robert O.|title=Civil wars and revolution in the Sudan: essays on the Sudan|date=2005}}
* Cookson, John A. U.S. Army Area Handbook for the Republic of the Sudan Department of the Army Pamphlet No. 550-27. Department of the Army, Foreign Areas Studies Division.
* {{cite web |last=Cooper |first=Tom |url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_180.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041012190522/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_180.shtml |website=Air Combat Information Group |title=Sudan, Civil War since 1955 |date=2 September 2003 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=12 October 2004}} 
* {{cite book|last=First|first=Ruth|title=The Barrel of a Gun: Political Power in Africa and the Coup d'etat|publisher=Allen Lane, The Penguin Press|year= 1970}} (see author link [[Ruth First]])
* {{cite book|last=IISS|title=The Military Balance 2017|publisher=Routledge for the International Institute for Strategic Studies|place=London|date=February 2017}}
* {{cite book |last=IISS |title=The Military Balance 2007 |publisher=International Institute for Strategic Studies |place=London |date=2007}}
* {{cite book |last=Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 1970–71 |place=London |publisher=Institute for Strategic Studies |date=1971}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Kramer|first1=Robert S. |last2=Lobban|first2=Richard A. |last3=Fluehr-Lobban|first3=Carolyn |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0OKZRewiEOsC&q=Sudan+receives+most+of+its+military+equipment+from+the+People's+Republic+of+China+and+Russia.+Sudan+has+a+weapons+production+company+called+the+Military+Industry+Corporation.&pg=PA458 |title=Historical Dictionary of the Sudan |date=2013 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=978-0-8108-7940-9 |language=en}}
* {{Cite web |author=Library of Congress |title=Country Profile Sudan (December 2004) |date=2004 |url=http://memory.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Sudan.pdf |access-date=6 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528162859/http://memory.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Sudan.pdf |archive-date=28 May 2010 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite book |last1=McEvoy|first1=Claire |last2=LeBrun|first2=Emile |title=Uncertain Future: Armed Violence in Southern Sudan (April 2010) |publisher=Small Arms Survey Human Security Baseline Assessment |series=Working Paper No. 20 |date=2010}}
* {{cite book |editor-last=Metz|editor-first=Helen Chapin |editor-link=Helen Chapin Metz|title=Sudan, A Country Study |publisher=Federal Research Division, Library of Congress |place=Washington DC |date=1992}}
* {{cite book |last=O'Ballance|first=Edgar |title=The Secret War in the Sudan: 1955–1972 |publisher=[[Faber and Faber]] |date=1977 |isbn=0-571-10768-0}}
* {{Cite book |last=Ofcansky|first=Thomas P. |chapter=Foreign Military Assistance |editor-last=Berry |editor1-first=LaVerle |url=https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/cs/pdf/CS_Sudan.pdf |title=Sudan: a country study |date=2015 |publisher=[[Federal Research Division]], [[Library of Congress]] |isbn=978-0-8444-0750-0 |edition=5th |location=Washington, D.C. |pages=}}
* {{cite book |first1=I. S. O. |last1=Playfair |author1-link=Ian Stanley Ord Playfair |first2=G. M. S. |last2=Stitt |first3=C. J. C. |last3=Molony |first4=S. E. |last4=Toomer |editor-last=Butler |editor-first=J. R. M. |editor-link=James Ramsay Montagu Butler |series=History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series |title=The Mediterranean and Middle East: The Early Successes Against Italy (to May 1941) |volume=I |publisher=[[HMSO]] |year=1959 |orig-year=1954 |edition=3rd |url=http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/UN/UK/UK-Med-I/index.html |access-date=3 September 2015 |oclc=494123451}}
* {{cite book |last=Poggo|first=Scopas|title=The First Sudanese Civil War: Africans, Arabs, and Israelis in the Southern Sudan, 1955–1972|publisher=Palgrave MacMillan|date=2008}}
* {{cite book |last=Rands|first=Richard|title=In Need of Review: SPLA Transformation in 2006–10 and Beyond|publisher=HSBA-Small Arms Survey|series=Working Paper |number=23|date=2010}} (November 2010)
* {{cite journal |last=Robinson|first=Colin D|title=A Generation of Mysteries?: Sketching the Threads of the Sudanese Armed Forces' First Quarter Century (c.1953–1976)|journal=Journal of African Military History|date=8 April 2022|volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=3–32 |url=https://brill.com/view/journals/jamh/6/1/article-p3_2.xml|doi=10.1163/24680966-bja10009 |s2cid=248064504 }}
* {{Cite book |last1=Rolandsen |last2=Daly|first2=M.W. |title=A History of South Sudan: from slavery to independence |place=Cambridge|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2018}}
* {{cite book |editor-last=Sharpe|editor-first= Richard |title=Jane's Fighting Ships 1999–2000|publisher=[[Jane's Information Group]]|place=Coulsdon, Surry|date=1999}}
* {{Cite book |last=Young|first=John |url=http://www.smallarmssurveysudan.org/fileadmin/docs/working-papers/HSBA-WP-01-SSDF.pdf|title=The South Sudan Defence Forces in the Wake of the Juba Declaration|publisher=Small Arms Survey |year=2006 |isbn=978-2-8288-0077-2 |location=Geneva |access-date=3 May 2019 |archive-date=17 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617004429/http://www.smallarmssurveysudan.org/fileadmin/docs/working-papers/HSBA-WP-01-SSDF.pdf |url-status=dead}}
{{refend}}

'''Attribution'''
* {{CIA World Factbook|year=2007}}

==Further reading==
{{Commons category|Military of Sudan}}
*Bechtold, Peter K. “Military Rule in the Sudan: The First Five Years of Ja’far Numayrī.” Middle East Journal 29, no. 1 (1975): 16–32. [http://www.jstor.org/stable/4325326 Military Rule in the Sudan: The First Five Years of Ja'far Numayrī].
*{{cite journal |author=W.H. Besant | title=The Early Days of the Egyptian Army, 1883–1892 |journal= [[African Affairs]] |volume=XXXIII |number=CXXXI |date=April 1934 | doi=10.1093/oxfordjournals.afraf.a100747 }}
*Bienen, H.S., and J. Moore, 'The Sudan Military Economic Corporations,' Armed Forces and Society Vol. 13, No. 4, 1987, pp.&nbsp;489–516
* Mohamed Ahmed Karar's book, Al-Jaysh Al-Sudani Wa Al-Inqaaz "The popular army and the NRC" translated as 'The Sudanese Army and National Salvation' (Khartoum, Sudan: Dar Al-Balad Publisher, 1990)
*Jago Salmon, [http://www.cmi.no/sudan/doc/?id=949 A Paramilitary Revolution: The Popular Defence Forces], Small Arms Survey HSBA Working Paper No.10, December 2007
*Small Arms Survey, [http://www.isn.ethz.ch/isn/Digital-Library/Publications/Detail/?ots591=0C54E3B3-1E9C-BE1E-2C24-A6A8C7060233&lng=en&id=55167 Joint Integrated Units]
*US Army Area Handbook for the Republic of Sudan, Dept of the Army Pamphlet No 550-27, Second Edition, 1964
*‘New War, Old Enemies: Conflict Dynamics in South Kordofan’, by Claudio Gramizzi and Jérôme Tubiana, now available for downloading at [http://www.smallarmssurveysudan.org/fileadmin/docs/working-papers/HSBA-WP29-S.Kordofan.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610043057/http://www.smallarmssurveysudan.org/fileadmin/docs/working-papers/HSBA-WP29-S.Kordofan.pdf |date=10 June 2016 }}
*{{cite journal |last=Ali |first=Hager |author-link=Hager Ali |date=2023-01-10 |title=Why the Military Promised to Withdraw from Power in Sudan |url=https://politicalviolenceataglance.org/2023/01/10/why-the-military-promised-to-withdraw-from-power-in-sudan/ |journal=Political Violence at a Glance |doi=10.1007/s12286-023-00561-z|doi-access=free }}

{{Sudan topics}}
{{Military of Africa}}
{{Military of the Arab world}}

[[Category:Military of Sudan| ]]