‘New bomber in Sudan’s air arsenal’: SSP

The Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) has released a report, illustrated by DigitalGlobe satellite imagery, that alleges that “Sudan has acquired at least three Su-24 ‘Fencer’ supersonic precision bomber aircraft in recent months”. In the report, the SSP – which constantly monitors Sudan for evidence of alleged atrocities – points out that “the operational range of the Fencer is a little more than 600km, which would allow targeted air strikes from their current position at Wadi Seidna military air base into parts of Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile states. “As early as March 2013, one Su-24 bomber was parked in the engine testing apron in the operational area of Wadi Seidna, located 25 km northwest of Khartoum.” Commenting on the satellite images, the SSP claims: “The appearance of one of the Su-24s on the runway with wings unswept suggests impending flight. Based on historic observations of Sudanese air force operations, DigitalGlobe Analytics concludes that initial technical checks and pilot proficiency training are probably underway. To date, three Su-24 aircraft have been observed at Wadi Seidna, most recently on August 24, 2013”. The report concludes that SSP and DigitalGlobe will monitor air bases in the south for future deployments of this aircraft. Satellite image of several aircraft, allegedly including an SU-24 Fencer, at Wadi Seidna air base on 18 March 2013. (DigitalGlobe) Read the entire report (PDF)