Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have received a Chinese-made FB-10A and FK-2000 short-range surface-to-air missile system.
According to the RSF forces, the FB-10A short-range air defence system failed to intercept low-flying drones and helicopters. Since receiving the Chinese missile system from Chad, its efficacy has been questioned by both the RSF and the Chadian Army.
Sudan has a hot and dry desert climate, with rainfall increasing significantly from north to south. The northern half of the country is extremely arid, which could have played a significant role in decreased radar return for the Chinese-made surveillance and fire control radar. Previously, Saudi Arabia also complaint about the efficacy of the Chinese-made HQ-17AE and laser weapon system.
The acquisition follows the RSF’s earlier procurement of the Chinese FK-2000 air defense system and underscores the growing sophistication of the group’s military capabilities.
According to the Clash Report, the FB-10A system was originally purchased by Chad from China in February 2025 under a deal backed by the United Arab Emirates. However, instead of entering Chadian service, the system was diverted and ultimately delivered to the RSF in Sudan — a move that analysts say likely constitutes a breach of United Nations restrictions.
The FB-10A air defense system, developed by the Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, is designed to equip mechanized and motorized units as well as mountain and rapid reaction forces. It is tasked with short-range and point air defense missions, intercepting helicopters, drones, cruise missiles, and fixed-wing aircraft.
The system is mainly used to provide escort air defence for ground mechanical troops and to provide fixed site air defence for high-value assets such as military bases, airports, oil fields and ports.
FB-10A weapon system consists combat equipment and technical support equipment. Combat equipment consists of Missile-in-tube (MIT), Command Vehicle (CV) and Firing vehicle (FV). Support equipment consists of MIT rack, Trans-Loading Vehicle (TLV), Power Supply Vehicle (PSV), MIT Test Equipment, System Simulator, Ground Equipment Tester and Training MIT.
Its appearance in RSF hands adds a new layer of complexity to Sudan’s conflict, giving the paramilitary group a more capable air defense capability amid its ongoing battles with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
“The Chinese FB-10A SAM system, bought by Chad in February 2025, was never deployed there — it has surfaced in Sudan, now in the hands of the RSF,” said OSINT analyst Rich Tedd. “However, according to exclusive information and confidential documents obtained by TchadOne, the air defence system never entered service in Chad. Barely delivered, it disappeared from the army’s inventory and was later traced to Sudan, in flagrant violation of the arms embargo.”
Evidence suggests that the UAE has played a central role in equipping the group through proxy channels, using partners in Chad and Libya to move military hardware across borders.
“Although the RSF now relies on crucial backing from Libya, much of its weaponry has been channelled through Chad,” Tedd added. “Since the beginning of the year, it has received Emirati armoured & logistics vehicles, along with FK-2000 and FB-10A SHORAD air defence systems.”
The UAE’s alleged involvement in funneling Chinese air defense systems to the RSF is part of a broader pattern that has emerged since Sudan’s civil conflict intensified. Both Chad and Libya have been accused of serving as conduits for arms transfers, enabling the paramilitary group to bypass embargoes and strengthen its arsenal with increasingly advanced technology.
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