Nyala, September (Darfur24)
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have assembled dozens of drones and launchers at Nyala Airport in South Darfur, signaling preparations for a major aerial assault, according to new satellite imagery analyzed by the Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab (Yale HRL).
Satellite images taken on 29 September 2025 reveal 43 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) positioned at the RSF-controlled airport, none of which were present three days earlier. Analysts also identified 36 launch platforms, up from 16 on 26 September.
At least 23 of the UAVs are Shahed-style long-range delta-wing drones, with operational ranges of 1,500 to 2,500 kilometers, putting targets across Sudan within reach. Another 20 smaller UAVs were observed near launchers.
“The presence of this combination of UAVs should be considered a sign of imminent attack,” Yale HRL warned. “These UAVs represent a clear and present danger to civilians, infrastructure, and humanitarian aid access.”
This is the second time such drones have been detected at Nyala. The first was in May, shortly before RSF launched UAV strikes on Port Sudan, roughly 1,600 kilometers away. RSF has since carried out multiple drone attacks, including a recent strike on a mosque in El Fasher that killed more than 75 civilians.
An RSF intelligence officer told Sky News last week that the United Arab Emirates is supplying weapons to the force through flights landing in Nyala and via Amdjarras Airport in Chad. Emirati and Chinese companies have been previously linked to the production of Shahed-style UAVs.
Yale HRL’s analysis draws on satellite imagery and open-source information. The lab continues to investigate the drones’ specifications and potential targets.