The Sudanese Armed Forces have begun constructing underground facilities within key military bases to protect advanced weaponry and drone systems, according to sources familiar with the matter.
According to Sudan Tribune a source speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the issue, the sources revealed that the initiative is part of a broader effort to fortify strategic assets amid the ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The tunnels are designed not only to guard against aerial attacks, including drone strikes, but also to facilitate secure storage and command operations.
“The goal is long-term protection,” one source explained, adding that the underground network will house air defense systems, monitoring equipment, and radars acquired to counter RSF drone operations.
The Sudanese army has increasingly relied on unmanned aerial vehicles to regain battlefield momentum in recent months. Drones have played a pivotal role in halting RSF advances and reclaiming territory, including parts of Khartoum and other urban centers.
Multiple countries are believed to have supplied Sudan with drones, notably Turkiye, Iran and Russia. Flight-tracking data reviewed by independent aviation analysts shows a series of cargo flights arriving in Port Sudan from Tehran between December 2023 and March 2024, suggesting a steady inflow of military hardware.
The reported aircraft—a Boeing 747-200 operated by Qeshm Fars Air—made at least six landings during that period. These flights allegedly delivered advanced weaponry to Sudanese government-controlled areas, further solidifying military ties between Sudan and its international partners.
In addition to these developments, analysts say that drones resembling Chinese models have been used in recent air raids across multiple Sudanese cities, causing significant damage to infrastructure.
The shift toward drone warfare has changed the tactical landscape of the Sudanese civil war. While the army has gained the upper hand in certain areas, experts warn that the proliferation of drone use by both sides may escalate the conflict and widen its reach.
The RSF’s earlier capture of major military depots, including the Yarmouk industrial complex in Khartoum, highlighted vulnerabilities in the army’s logistics and storage protocols. The tunnel construction is seen as a response to those losses, aiming to prevent future disruptions and secure critical assets for the long haul.
As the war drags on, both sides appear to be deepening their reliance on external support and modern weaponry, raising regional and international concerns over the trajectory of the conflict.