The Secret Egyptian Air Base Powering Sudan’s Drone War

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 8 min read 100% complete by Declan Walsh, Malachy Browne, Eric Schmitt and Nick Cumming-BruceFebruary 1, 2026 at 10:05 PM

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long article 8 min

A covert Egyptian air base is reportedly being used to launch drone strikes in Sudan, escalating the Sudanese civil war into a high-tech conflict fueled by foreign interests. Evidence including satellite images, flight records, and interviews suggests that advanced military drones have been operating from the base for at least six months, targeting the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.). While Egypt had previously been involved diplomatically, this drone activity indicates direct military intervention alongside the Sudanese military. The United Arab Emirates supports the R.S.F., while Saudi Arabia and Qatar back the army, which has also acquired weapons from Turkey, Iran, and Russia. The drone warfare, partly driven by the global gold boom, has resulted in thousands of casualties and displaced millions.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Turkey 30% Russia 30% Iran 30% Saudi Arabia 40% Qatar 40% United Arab Emirates 50% Sudanese Military ×360% Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.) ×570% Egypt ×680% Sudan ×890%

Keywords

drone warfare 100% sudan conflict 90% egyptian air base 80% foreign interests 70% high-tech warfare 60% rapid support forces 60% civil war 50% military drones 50% foreign powers 40%