Saudi Arabia has reportedly urged Pakistan to suspend a $1.5 billion arms agreement with Sudan and to reassess another $4 billion defence arrangement connected to Libya. The move reflects a recalibration of Riyadh’s regional priorities and introduces new doubts over Islamabad’s efforts to expand its defence exports across Africa.
Pakistan has already paused the $1.5 billion weapons deal with Sudan after Saudi Arabia withdrew financial backing and requested that the agreement be terminated.
The package, which reportedly included fighter jets and other military systems, had reached an advanced stage and formed part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to grow its defence industry presence in African markets.
According to two Pakistani security officials and a diplomatic source, the withdrawal of Saudi support effectively brought the transaction to a standstill.
One of the security sources told Reuters that “Saudi Arabia has indicated Pakistan should end the deal after it decided not to provide funding.”
Conflict intersects with humanitarian crisis
Sudan’s military leadership under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan had pursued the procurement despite an ongoing war with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Now in its fourth year, the conflict has forced millions from their homes and is widely described as one of the worst humanitarian emergencies globally.
The proposed arms purchase also came shortly before a US-led humanitarian initiative for Sudan, which aimed to raise around $1.5 billion in aid, including a $500 million pledge from the United Arab Emirates.
Shifting Saudi priorities reshape regional stance
Saudi engagement in Sudan followed earlier cooperation deals with Khartoum, including a $10 million water infrastructure grant and plans to process Sudanese gold, at a time when relations between Sudanese authorities and the UAE had deteriorated.
The UAE has faced accusations of supporting the Rapid Support Forces, allegations it has denied.
Riyadh has since aligned more closely with Sudan’s army, as competition with the UAE intensifies over influence in the Red Sea region and access to Sudan’s mineral resources, particularly gold.
However, according to sources, Western governments have advised Saudi Arabia to limit deeper involvement in African proxy conflicts.
At the same time, the kingdom is reassessing its external commitments as it focuses on strengthening its own military capabilities amid broader regional tensions involving Iran and the United States.
One source said a March meeting in Riyadh between Sudanese military officials and Saudi representatives led to the decision to withdraw financing from the Sudan deal.
Libyan agreement also under review
The implications extend beyond Sudan, with another Pakistani security source stating that a separate $4 billion defence arrangement linked to forces associated with the Libyan National Army is also facing uncertainty.
The source added that Saudi Arabia is “reviewing its approach” toward both Sudan and Libya, indicating a wider reassessment of its involvement in African security dynamics.
Saudi Arabia remains a key ally of Pakistan and has long provided crucial financial assistance, including loans that have helped stabilise Islamabad’s economy.
Its retreat from funding defence agreements could have significant consequences for Pakistan’s external defence ambitions, especially as Islamabad positions itself as a potential mediator in efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran.
The shift also comes at a time of rising Iran–US friction, which is putting pressure on regional economies, disrupting energy markets, and prompting Gulf states to prioritize domestic security and military readiness over foreign engagements.