Saudi Arabia Asks Pakistan to Halt Arms Sales to Sudan, What's Going On?

Saudi Arabia’s decision to pull financing from the arms agreement between Pakistan and Sudan has triggered a domino effect, costing Islamabad billions of US dollars. The US$1.5 billion deal was halted after Riyadh requested Pakistan to terminate the transaction. This change in Saudi stance also endangers other agreements in Libya, signalling new uncertainties in Pakistan’s defence industry expansion in Africa. Pakistan’s Arms Expansion Stalls in Africa The deal with Sudan had advanced to later stages, encompassing the sale of fighter jets and weapons systems. It formed part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to expand its military export market into Africa. However, the agreement’s reliance on Saudi financing proved to be a vulnerability. When Riyadh withdrew, Pakistan had little choice but to stop the transaction. This step was expected to serve as an entry point for Islamabad to strengthen its position as an arms exporter in emerging markets, particularly in Africa facing various conflicts. Under Western Pressure, Saudi Changes Course Initially, Saudi Arabia actively strengthened ties with Sudan, including through infrastructure aid and gold refining cooperation plans. Riyadh also supported Sudan’s military under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan amid rivalry with the United Arab Emirates, accused of closeness to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary. However, policy direction shifted. Sources indicate that Western countries, including the United States, urged Saudi not to become further involved in proxy conflicts in Africa. At the same time, the kingdom is reviewing its external commitments and prioritising domestic security, especially amid rising tensions with Iran. A meeting between Sudanese officials and Saudi authorities in Riyadh last March marked a turning point, leading to the financing withdrawal decision. Domino Effect to Libya, US$4 Billion Deal at Risk The impact of Saudi’s strategic shift does not stop at Sudan. Another US$4 billion agreement between Pakistan and entities affiliated with the Libyan National Army is now on the brink. Pakistani security sources state that Riyadh is “reviewing its strategy” in Africa, including Sudan and Libya, which could mean halting support for military cooperation. If that occurs, Pakistan’s ambitions to expand defence exports to Africa risk total failure. For Pakistan, Saudi’s decision is crucial given the close relations between the two countries, including frequent financial support that aids Islamabad’s economic stability. Now, this dependence has become a boomerang, as Pakistan also seeks to position itself as a mediator in US-Iran tensions.