Sudan has reportedly received approximately 100 Pakistani-made Mohafiz infantry mobility vehicles to improve troop movement and protect supply convoys during its continuing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Military sources said the light armored vehicles arrived in several batches and are expected to be deployed across the difficult terrain of Kordofan and Darfur. Once operational, the vehicles could support transport along key state highways and assist during urban clearance operations. They are also expected to help address gaps created by the RSF’s use of four-wheel-drive pickup trucks.
Sudanese and Pakistani authorities have not released formal details of the foreign military sale. The shipment is reportedly part of a $1.5 billion expansion of Khartoum’s military arsenal announced in January. That package includes Pakistani Shahpar tactical reconnaissance and strike drones and spare parts for Sudan’s existing Chinese-Pakistani K-8 Karakoram light attack aircraft.
The new equipment will complement Sudan’s existing inventory, which consists largely of Soviet-era systems along with locally modified Sarsar armored cars, Russian Sukhoi and Mikoyan aircraft, Mil helicopters, and Iranian Mohajer drones.
The Mohafiz is about 5 meters (16 feet) long. Its B6 chassis is designed to withstand medium-arms fire and shrapnel, while its B7 protection level is intended to provide resistance against armor-piercing rifle ammunition. The vehicle is based on the Toyota Land Rover Defender, while later configurations use designs modeled on the Land Cruiser hull.
A 200-horsepower turbo-diesel engine powers the platform. It has a reported top speed of 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour) and a range of 600 kilometers (373 miles).
