Sudan has proposed giving Russia its first African naval base, potentially at Port Sudan, in return for military equipment to fight the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia Moscow had initially backed, according to the Wall Street Journal. 

Under the agreement, Russia would gain mining concessions, while Sudan would receive anti-aircraft systems and other military hardware at preferential rates.

Military Watch Magazine says that the deal involves Sudan acquiring Su-30 and Su-35 fighter jets from Russia.

Officials said that while the deal would bolster Sudan’s military amid its ongoing conflict with the RSF, it could also heighten tensions with the U.S. and European Union given Russia’s strained relations with the West.

The reported agreement comes five years after Russia announced a nearly identical deal, which outlined a 25-year operation of a naval base capable of hosting 300 personnel and up to four vessels.

The earlier agreement also included automatic 10-year renewals unless either side raised objections. However, following the overthrow of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir, Sudan’s new military ruling council placed the deal under review.

Sudan’s renewed engagement with Russia comes after the RSF captured El-Fasher, the capital of Darfur, in late October, consolidating control over much of western Sudan.