NICOSIA — Iran has offered to help train and equip Sudan's military.
Iranian sources said Teheran has discussed weapons sales to and training
for Khartoum's military and security forces. They said Sudan has sought to
bolster its military to quell rebellions in Darfour as well as in the south.
"There is strong interest in acquiring Iranian missiles, RPGs, UAVs and
other equipment," an Iranian source said, referring to rocket-propelled
grenades and unmanned aerial vehicles.
On Jan. 17, Sudanese Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Hussein concluded a
visit to Iran, Middle East Newsline reported. Hussein met his Iranian counterpart, Mustafa Najar and
discussed arms procurement.
"I have visited Iran's defense industry and facilities, and I have
noticed that Iran has gained advanced levels of technology which made me
glad," Hussein said.
Since 2005, Iran has been marketing defense products to Africa and other
regions. Iranian defense exports were reported as exceeding $100 million in
2006 and delivered to clients in 52 countries.
For his part, Najar said Iran and Sudan plan to bolster defense
cooperation. He did not elaborate.