A hidden airstrip located deep within the Egyptian desert has become a central hub for drone strikes targeting paramilitary forces in Sudan. This covert operation highlights how the Sudanese civil war is transforming into a high-tech conflict fueled by competing foreign powers.
The Hidden Base in the Sahara
Located near the giant crop circles of the East Oweinat agricultural project, the base sits just 40 miles from the Sudanese border. While the area is known for wheat production, satellite imagery and flight records reveal a massive military expansion. Since 2018, the site has grown to include a second runway and 17 aircraft hangars.
Recent data shows that advanced military drones are now using this site to launch attacks against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. This marks a significant shift in Egypt’s role, moving from a diplomatic mediator to an active participant in the conflict.
A Theater for Foreign Interests
The war in Sudan has become a playground for international weaponry. While Egypt and the Sudanese military have teamed up, other nations are heavily involved:
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Accused of supplying Chinese-made CH-95 drones to the RSF.
- Turkey: Provides the Sudanese military with sophisticated Baykar drones, including the Akinci and TB2 models.
- Iran, Russia, and Qatar: Have also provided various forms of support or weaponry to the Sudanese army.
Despite these connections, most involved nations deny direct military interference. Turkey maintains its exports follow international law, and the UAE denies backing either side.
Why Egypt Joined the Fight
For a long time, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi avoided direct military intervention. However, the situation changed in late October when the RSF captured the city of El Fasher in Darfur. This victory, followed by an RSF advance toward central Sudan, reportedly crossed a “red line” for Cairo.
Egypt fears a total RSF takeover, which could further destabilize the region. Already, over 1.5 million refugees have fled from Sudan into Egypt, putting immense pressure on the Egyptian economy.
High-Tech Warfare and Human Cost
The introduction of advanced drones like the Turkish Akinci has changed the nature of the battle. These drones have a range of over 4,500 miles and can carry significant payloads. They are currently being used to strike RSF supply lines coming from Libya and Chad.
However, the precision of these machines hasn’t prevented civilian suffering. Drones from both sides have hit:
- Hospitals and mosques
- Power plants and water stations
- Schools and residential areas
One of the most devastating strikes, attributed to the RSF, hit a kindergarten and killed over 100 people, dozens of whom were children. On the other side, Egyptian-based drones have been linked to strikes on village gatherings and truck convoys, resulting in numerous fatalities.
Economic Entanglements
Egypt’s involvement is a risky balancing act. The Egyptian economy relies heavily on investment from the UAE—the same country backing the RSF. In 2024, the UAE invested $35 billion into an Egyptian coastal project. This creates a strange dynamic where Egypt is militarily opposing the interests of its biggest financial benefactor.
The RSF Response
The RSF is aware of the drone strikes coming from across the border. In November, the group issued a statement acknowledging that they were being targeted by drones launched from a “foreign base.” They have warned of retaliation at an “appropriate time,” signaling that the conflict could expand beyond Sudan’s borders.
To defend themselves, the RSF has acquired jamming technology and surface-to-air missiles. Reports indicate they have already shot down at least four Turkish-made drones, each valued at approximately $25 million.
Conclusion
The secret base in Egypt is clear evidence that the war in Sudan is no longer just a local power struggle. It has evolved into a sophisticated, drone-led conflict involving multiple international players. Despite the influx of high-tech weaponry and foreign intervention, the war remains a stalemate, leaving millions of people displaced and the country in ruins. As long as foreign powers continue to funnel advanced tech into the region, the cycle of destruction appears unlikely to end.
