# Sudan Army fields Turkish-made SAR 308 assault rifle

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/10/sudan-army-fields-turkish-made-sar-308-assault-rifle/
- Published: 2024-10-21T00:48:47+01:00
- Author: Kazim Abdul

In the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary rebel group,
the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the Sudanese Army has introduced a new weapon to
its arsenal: the Turkish-made SAR-308 assault rifle. Recent videos circulating on
social media have shown Sudanese soldiers armed with these rifles following intense
clashes with the RSF.

![Turkish sar-308 assault rifle](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/
2024/10/Turkish-sar-308-assault-rifle_1-1024x570.jpg)

Sarsilmaz SAR 308 assault rifle being fielded by a Sudanese Army trooper.

![Sudan Army fields Turkish-made SAR 308 assault rifle](https://www.military.africa/
wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241124_204459.jpg)

A Sudanese soldiers with armed with Sarsilmaz SAR 308 assault rifle

#### **The SAR-308 Assault Rifle**

Developed by Turkish defense manufacturer Sarsilmaz (Sarsılmaz Silah Sanayi A.Ş.),
the SAR-308 series is a modernized and locally produced version of the legendary
AK-47 platform. The SAR-308 Version 2 stands out as a much lighter infantry rifle,
featuring a modern appearance with a high-strength polymer magazine reinforced with
steel parts, butt, and stock. This version offers superior performance in all climatic
conditions and provides both single and serial shot options.

The SAR-308 Version 2 is designed for comfortable carrying, with a folding telescopic
butt stock option as well as a fixed stock. It operates with a gas piston-driven
system and is chambered in 7.62x39mm caliber, offering a rate of fire of 650 rounds
per minute and a muzzle velocity of 680 meters per second.

#### **RSF’s Armament**

On the other side, fighters of the RSF have [acquired](https://www.military.africa/2023/08/rsf-fighters-acquire-israeli-iwi-galil-ace-31-carbines/)
the 7.62x39mm Israeli IWI Galil ACE 31 carbine, equipped with Thermal/NV scopes.
This rifle may have been sourced from military stocks in Chad, stolen from the regular
Sudanese army, or possessed by the RSF all along. The Galil ACE is a modern derivative
of the iconic Galil rifle, developed by Israel in the 1970s. It is known for its
reliability and accuracy, making it well-suited for harsh environments and urban
combat.

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#### **Growing Trend of Turkish Defense Exports**

The introduction of the SAR-308 in Sudan reflects a broader trend of Turkish defense
firms exporting to African markets. Recently, Turkish Sarsilmaz [sold its MPT-76 assault rifle](https://www.military.africa/2024/10/cameroon-special-forces-adopts-turkish-made-mpt-76-assault-rifles/)
to the Cameroonian Army’s special force unit, the Rapid Intervention Battalion (
BIR). The BIR showcased the rifle during a parade in May at the country’s National
Day celebration. Additionally, Turkish Atesci [announced](https://www.military.africa/2024/04/turkish-atesci-to-produce-munitions-in-three-african-countries/)
plans to produce munitions in three African countries: DR Congo, Namibia, and Nigeria.

The fielding of the SAR-308 assault rifle by the Sudanese Army marks a significant
development in the ongoing conflict with the RSF. As Turkish defense firms continue
to expand their presence in African markets, the introduction of advanced weaponry
like the SAR-308 is likely to have a substantial impact on the dynamics of regional
conflicts.

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