Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have acquired a Chinese-made FB-10A short-range surface-to-air missile system.
The acquisition follows the RSF’s earlier procurement of the Chinese FK-2000 air protection system and underscores the rising sophistication of the group’s navy capabilities.
According to the Clash Report, the FB-10A system was initially bought by Chad from China in February 2025 beneath a deal backed by the United Arab Emirates. However, as a substitute of coming into Chadian service, the system was diverted and in the end delivered to the RSF in Sudan — a transfer that analysts say seemingly constitutes a breach of United Nations restrictions.
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The FB-10A air protection system, developed by the Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, is designed to equip mechanized and motorized items in addition to mountain and speedy response forces. It is tasked with short-range and level air protection missions, intercepting helicopters, drones, cruise missiles, and fixed-wing plane.
The system offers close-range safety for frontline items and key installations. Its modular structure permits for each networked and stand-alone operations. Each automobile integrates goal detection, monitoring, parameter calculation, and missile launch programs right into a single platform that additionally serves because the system’s fire-control middle.
The FB-10A can function as half of a bigger air protection community or independently carry out interception missions, offering versatile safety choices for cellular items. It options superior engagement capabilities with an interception vary of as much as 18 kilometers.
Its look in RSF arms provides a brand new layer of complexity to Sudan’s battle, giving the paramilitary group a extra succesful air protection functionality amid its ongoing battles with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
“The Chinese FB-10A SAM system, purchased by Chad in February 2025, was by no means deployed there — it has surfaced in Sudan, now within the arms of the RSF,” mentioned OSINT analyst Rich Tedd. “However, based on unique data and confidential paperwork obtained by TchadOne, the air defence system by no means entered service in Chad. Barely delivered, it disappeared from the military’s stock and was later traced to Sudan, in flagrant violation of the arms embargo.”
Evidence means that the UAE has performed a central function in equipping the group via proxy channels, utilizing companions in Chad and Libya to maneuver navy {hardware} throughout borders.
“Although the RSF now depends on essential backing from Libya, a lot of its superior weaponry has been channelled via Chad,” Tedd added. “Since the start of the 12 months, it has acquired Emirati armoured & logistics autos, together with FK-2000 and FB-10A SHORAD air defence programs.”
The UAE’s alleged involvement in funneling Chinese air protection programs to the RSF is a part of a broader sample that has emerged since Sudan’s civil battle 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 more and more superior know-how.
The look of the FB-10A in Sudan additionally factors to deepening ties between the RSF and international backers. Since 2023, the group has acquired a rising array of superior weaponry, from armored autos and drones to precision-guided munitions. The introduction of SHORAD programs just like the FK-2000 and FB-10A now provides the RSF an enhanced potential to defend its forces towards aerial assaults — a functionality that might shift the tactical stability on the battlefield.
