Debris of a Chinese-made missile was found at the site of the Sudanese Ilyushin-76 plane crash
Arab Defense Website – November 5, 2025: An open source intelligence group said that debris believed to belong to the Chinese-made FK-2000 air defense system was found near the crash site of the Sudanese Il-76 military transport plane that was shot down near Babanusa.
According to the Mintel World platform, analysts reviewed the images coming from the accident area, and were able to identify a part that likely belongs to the launch stage or rocket booster of the FK-2000 surface-to-air missile.
The group explained that this debris was found near the site of the plane crash. Similar parts were found last September in the Kordofan region, and were assessed as evidence of FK-2000 systems reaching the Rapid Support Forces via Chad.
The Rapid Support Forces claimed responsibility for shooting down the Il-76, confirming that the plane was struck on November 4 near Babanusa, and that all those on board were killed. Footage circulating on the Internet shows debris consistent with a large military transport plane, but the authenticity of this information has not been confirmed from official Sudanese sources yet.
The Sudanese Air Force uses Il-76 aircraft to transport soldiers, supplies and equipment between bases, especially in areas where ground movements have become dangerous. The loss of this aircraft – if confirmed – represents a blow to the army’s long-range air transport ability at a time when the ability to maneuver is an essential factor in the course of the conflict.
As for the FK-2000 system, developed by the Chinese company CASIC, it is a mobile air defense system mounted on a vehicle with an 8×8 chassis, and includes a turret containing missile launch cells in addition to two 30 mm hexagonal cannons for close-in defense. The missiles can target aircraft within a range of approximately 1.2 to 25 kilometers, while they can deal with cruise missiles at shorter distances. The system relies on radar and visual guidance, and is classified as a combined system (cannon/missile) for short- to medium-range air defense.
If the Rapid Support Forces actually use the system in combat operations, this indicates that they have a more advanced layered air defense capability than what is usually known by irregular factions. Although the system is not long-range, its presence may limit the ability of the Sudanese Air Force to operate transport aircraft in contested airspace at low and medium altitudes.
If the plane is confirmed to have been shot down near Babanusa using this system, this will be the first documentation of the actual use of the FK-2000 in combat. It should be noted that this system has not yet been included in service with the Chinese army, and its participation in military operations has not been recorded previously, which means that the countries importing the system are the ones undergoing their first combat experiences with it.
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