At the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025, held in Istanbul from July 22 to 27, Sudan’s Military Industry Corporation (MIC) unveiled its latest advancement in unmanned aerial technology: the Safaroog one-way attack (OWA) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
This presentation marked a notable moment for Sudan, showcasing its growing expertise in producing sophisticated military systems on an international stage. Designed for single-mission strikes, the Safaroog reflects Sudan’s response to the evolving demands of modern warfare, particularly within the context of its ongoing internal conflict and the broader regional interest it has garnered. The Safaroog measures 2.88 meters in length and 0.91 meters in height, with a wingspan of 3.3 meters.
It is powered by a 342 cc gasoline engine that drives a two-blade pusher propeller, enabling a cruising speed of 160 kilometres per hour and a maximum speed of 200 kilometres per hour. Its operational range extends from 300 to 600 kilometres, and it can remain airborne for 2.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on its configuration. The UAV cruises at an altitude of 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and can climb to a ceiling of 15,000 feet (4,572 meters). With a maximum take-off weight of 120 kilograms, it offers flexibility in payload and fuel combinations: it can carry 40 kilograms with 16 litres of fuel, 30 kilograms with 25 litres, or 20 kilograms with 40 litres. Launch options include a catapult for lighter loads or a pneumatic launcher for heavier configurations, making it adaptable to various operational needs.
Equipped with a modestly advanced technology, the Safaroog features a SNAP-5 artificial intelligence-based autopilot, integrating global navigation satellite services (GNSS) and an inertial navigation system (INS). It also includes an anti-jamming spoofing algorithm to counter electronic warfare threats, ensuring reliable performance in contested environments.
The UAV’s communication range reaches 600 kilometres, and its terminal attack angle exceeds 60 degrees, delivering a precision strike capability with a circular error probable of less than 10 meters. According to an MIC representative, the Safaroog is already in service with the Sudanese military, and there is reported interest from Middle Eastern countries, though specific nations were not named. This operational status and international curiosity suggest that the UAV could serve both domestic needs and potential export markets. The emergence of UAVs—ranging from short- and long-range reconnaissance models to attack and suicide variants—has transformed modern battlefields, posing new challenges to ground forces tasked with protecting vital infrastructure.
In Sudan, this shift has been particularly evident as the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has evolved into a domain heavily reliant on aerial capabilities. Following the SAF’s recapture of key areas such as Khartoum and Al-Jazirah State, the RSF has turned to loitering and swarming UAVs, reportedly launched from Nyala, to strike strategic targets like airports and command centres. These “strategic” UAVs, capable of extended flight times and precise attacks, have pushed both sides to rethink their air defence approaches. The Safaroog is not Sudan’s first venture into indigenous UAV technology. In 2023, the MIC introduced the Kamin-25 loitering munition at the IDEX show in Abu Dhabi.
Designed to be launched from a UAV like the Z3-M, which can carry two Kamin-25s with their wings rotated 90 degrees along their bodies until release, this system underwent testing by the Sudanese Air Force, with final acceptance tests planned for May of that year. However, the ongoing conflict has slowed further progress on such projects. Despite these challenges, the Safaroog’s debut at IDEF 2025 demonstrates Sudan’s determination to advance its domestic production capabilities, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers like Iran and China, whose drones have played a role in the country’s military operations for years. The conflict’s aerial dimension has also seen the RSF employ the Groza-S electronic warfare system, developed by Belarus’s KB Radar, to counter UAV threats.
This system was recently captured by the SAF at a major RSF base north of Khartoum, where SAF Commander General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan inspected a burned-out van equipped with mast-mounted antennas matching those publicised by Belarus in 2020. The presence of such technology on the battlefield illustrates the escalating technological arms race between the warring factions, with UAVs and their countermeasures becoming central to the struggle. Sudan’s investment in systems like the Safaroog reflects a broader strategic need. The country’s small but effective fleet of Chinese and Iranian-made drones has already demonstrated the potential to alter the course of its prolonged conflict with various rebel groups. Iran, in particular, has been a key supplier, bolstering Sudan’s drone capabilities over several years.
Yet, the Safaroog offers a homegrown alternative, potentially lowering costs and enhancing self-reliance. Its precision, range, and adaptability make it a valuable asset for the SAF, whether for offensive strikes or maintaining control over contested regions. The unveiling of the Safaroog OWA UAV at IDEF 2025 carries implications beyond Sudan’s borders.
The Middle Eastern interest reported by the MIC hints at export possibilities, positioning Sudan as an emerging player in the regional defence market. On the global stage, the UAV’s one-way attack design aligns with a growing trend toward cost-effective, high-impact systems that minimise risks to manned aircraft. For Sudan, the Safaroog represents both a practical tool in its ongoing war and a symbol of its technological ambition. As the conflict continues to drive innovation, this UAV could prove instrumental in shaping the future of Sudan’s military strategy and its standing in the international defence community.