Sudan Offers Naval Base to Russia on 25-year Lease

Sudan has approved a 25-year lease allowing Russia to establish a naval base on the Red Sea, finalizing a long-delayed arrangement that gives Moscow its first permanent military presence in Africa.

Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef Sharif confirmed the deal to the Wall Street Journal in Moscow, saying, “We have agreed on everything.” His Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov said the talks also focused on Sudan’s civil war, adding that Moscow supports a rapid ceasefire and an inclusive political dialogue.

The U.S. has voiced concern that the move—combined with China’s base in Djibouti—will expand Russian and Chinese control over some of the world’s most strategic sea routes. The Red Sea handles roughly 12% of global maritime trade. Sudan, Africa’s third-largest gold producer, is also expected to receive discounted Russian air-defense systems as part of the package.

The original Russia–Sudan naval deal, signed in 2020, stalled during Sudan’s political upheaval. In February, Sudan’s government stated that there were no obstacles to finalizing an agreement. The deal, negotiated under former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, reportedly permits up to 300 Russian personnel and four naval vessels, including nuclear-powered ships, at the facility for 25 years. However, after al-Bashir was ousted in 2019, Sudan’s military government reviewed the deal, and its implementation was suspended in 2021. The project faced further delays due to Sudan’s ongoing civil war.

The facility near Port Sudan is central to a wider Russian operational network stretching across North Africa. A new air corridor of more than 1,600km would link Russian positions in Libya to the Red Sea, enabling rapid movement of troops and equipment on Il-76MD transport aircraft under cover of Su-57 fighters. The site sits roughly 1,000km from China’s base in Djibouti and within reach of territories controlled by the Houthis near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The base and its supporting air infrastructure could become targets if tensions between NATO and Russia escalate. Moscow may need additional Su-35S and Su-30SM fighters to defend the corridor.