A shipment of Chinese-made FB-10A short-range air defense systems (SHORAD), originally ordered by the Chadian Air Force, was reportedly diverted to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to Chadian outlet TchadOne.
TchadOne’s report published in September, cites internal documents and witness accounts indicating that the FB-10A units, purchased from China in February 2025 under a deal backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), never entered service in Chad.
“Shortly after delivery, it disappeared from the army’s inventory and surfaced in Sudan,” the news outlet reported, adding that the transfer violates a UN arms embargo on Sudan, which prohibits supplying weapons to forces involved in internal conflicts.
Sources told the news outlet that the purchase was financed with Emirati funds through a triangular arrangement connecting Dubai, Beijing, and N’Djamena.
“Everything was structured to conceal the origin of the funds and protect a third country that didn’t want to get its hands dirty,” a source at Chad’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told TchadOne.
Similar UAE-backed transfers have previously moved FK-2000 air defense systems from Chad to the RSF.
Developed by China’s Eighth Academy of Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the FB-10A is a mobile, short-range surface-to-air missile system mounted on a Dongfeng Mengshi 6×6 chassis.
Each vehicle carries eight ready-to-fire missiles and integrates radar, tracking sensors, and fire-control systems. With an engagement range of up to 18 kilometers, it can intercept drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft.
The RSF has not confirmed possession of the system. Neither the UAE, China, nor Chad’s government has commented on the report.
