Satellite Sentinel Project

Sudan Adds Precision Bomber to Arsenal

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Sudan Adds Precision Bomber to Arsenal

August 27, 2013
Sudan Adds Precision Bomber to Arsenal

DigitalGlobe imagery indicates that Sudan has acquired at least three Su24 (Fencer) supersonic precision bomber aircraft in recent months. The operational range of the Fencer is a little more than 600 kilometers, which would allow targeted air strikes from their current position in Wadi Seidna military air base into parts of Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. (See Figure 1 for graphic on operational range). The Fencer can also carry two external fuel pods that would extend the range and loiter time over a target area. The acquisition of aircraft with precision targeting capability could signal a change from rolling crude bombs out the door of an AN-24/26 transport to conducting targeted strikes. As early as March 2013, one Su-24 bomber was parked in the engine testing apron in the operational area of Wadi Seidna, located 25 kilometers northwest of Khartoum. (See Figure 2.) Wadi Seidna supports most of Sudans fighter and bomber aircraft, i.e. Mig-29, Nanchang Q-5, SU-25, (probably non-operational MiG-23, MiG-17) and AN-24/26 transports. The positioning of Su-24 aircraft in the airbases operational area in June 2013 suggests the aircraft is already in use at that time. Since then the aircraft have been seen elsewhere in the operations area and later on a parking apron. (See Figure 3.) The appearance of

one of the Su-24 on the runway with wings unswept suggests impending flight. Based on historic observations of Sudanese air force operations, Digital Globe Analytics concludes that initial technical checks and pilot proficiency training are probably underway. To date, three Su-24 aircraft have been observed at Wadi Seidna, most recently on August 24, 2013. Media reports state that Belarus sold 12 Su-24 aircraft to Sudan with an end user certificate that prohibits using the aircraft in the Darfur.1 Passed in 2005, UN Security Council Resolution 1591 prohibits the Government of Sudan from acquiring aircraft for use in Darfur. The measure does not, however, expressly prohibit arms sales for use in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, where Sudan has consistently conducted aerial attacks.2 SSP and DigitalGlobe will monitor air bases in the south for future deployments of this aircraft.

1. Cencom, David. Sudan gets second hand Belarusian Su-24 Fencer attack planes. And here are some photos.. The Aviationist (blog), August 19, 2013. http://theaviationist.com/2013/08/19/sudan-Su-24/ (accessed August 26, 2013). Russia agrees to sell attack helicopters to Sudan: report. Sudan Tribune, August 19, 2013. http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article47722 (accessed August 22, 2013). 2. United Nations Security Council Resolution 1591 (2005), arts. 7, 8, March 29, 2005, available at http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/1591 (2005).

Satellite Sentinel Project www.satsentinel.org | Situation Report: Sudan Adds Precision Bomber to Arsenal

Figure 1
Su-24 Operational Range (615km)

Khartoum

Al Fashir

El Obeid

Figure 2
Air order-of-battle at Wadi Seidna AB

Su-25 Frogfoot

Su-25 Frogfoot

Su-24 Fencer

MiG-29 Fulcrum

Wadi Seidna Air Base, North Omdurman, Khartoum State, Sudan DigitalGlobe Panchromatic Image, March 18, 2013

Figure 3

Additional Su-24 on Runway

DigitalGlobe Image, June 18, 2013

Wadi Seidna Air Base, North Omdurman, Khartoum State, Sudan DigitalGlobe Image, August 8, 2013 DigitalGlobe Image, August 24, 2013

Su-24 service area