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UK Arms Exports to UAE Continue Amid Allegations of Weapons Diversion to Sudan
UK companies have exported millions of pounds’ worth of arms and ammunition to the United Arab Emirates since January 2024, despite ongoing concerns that British weapons may be diverted to conflict zones in Sudan, a FactCheck analysis has revealed.
The investigation comes as the UAE faces intense scrutiny for allegedly supplying weapons to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group accused of mass killings and war crimes in Sudan, where conflict erupted in April 2023.
As early as January 2024, a UN expert report found “credible” evidence that the UAE had been channeling arms to the RSF. More recently, the Guardian reported that the UN Security Council, which includes the UK, possessed evidence in June 2024 that UK-manufactured weapons were being used by RSF forces in Sudan, likely after being redirected through the UAE.
Despite these concerns, British arms exports to the Emirates have continued throughout 2024, with several significant peaks. May 2024 marked the largest export month, with over £3.5 million worth of arms shipped to the UAE. Subsequent surges occurred in September (£1.1 million), November (£1.6 million), and January 2025 (£1.7 million).
Although exports have declined in recent months, they have not ceased entirely. In total, UK companies exported over £15 million worth of arms to the UAE throughout 2024, with an additional £2.5 million in the first nine months of 2025, according to the latest available data.
The full scope of these exports remains partially obscured, as the UK government withholds some information for confidentiality reasons. The exported items fall under various categories, including cartridges, “munitions of war,” and “non-military arms.”
Export licensing continues
The analysis also found that the UK government has continued to issue export licenses for arms sales to the UAE. Since Labour came to power, authorities have approved more than £370 million worth of licenses for military goods exports to the Emirates.
In the second quarter of 2025 alone, the UK government issued military export licenses for the UAE worth £172 million. While this figure represents the maximum permissible export value under these licenses, actual export volumes are typically substantially lower.
Some recently issued licenses cover potentially lethal equipment, including sniper rifles and their components, weapon sights, components for hand grenades, and parts for unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). Additionally, several “open licenses” have been approved, allowing exporters to ship unlimited quantities of certain military items for the duration of the license.
The data shows that the government has rejected some license applications to the UAE in recent months, including one for small arms ammunition in the second quarter of this year. However, these rejections appear to be exceptions rather than the rule.
Official responses
UAE officials have categorically denied providing arms to any group involved in the Sudan conflict, maintaining this position despite mounting evidence to the contrary.
When contacted for comment, the UK government emphasized its “very strong arms export licensing system” and stated it takes allegations of weapons diversion “very seriously.” Officials claimed they had reviewed numerous export licenses but found “no evidence of diverted items being linked to existing licenses.”
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper addressed the broader Sudan crisis, telling Channel 4 News, “I have deliberately made the issues around Sudan one of the top priorities here in the Foreign Office because this is the worst humanitarian crisis of the twenty-first century.”
The continued flow of UK arms to the UAE raises serious questions about Britain’s commitment to preventing the diversion of weapons to conflict zones, particularly given the grave humanitarian situation in Sudan. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called for greater transparency and stricter controls on arms sales to countries potentially involved in supplying weapons to regions experiencing violent conflict.
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14 Comments
The allegations of UK-made weapons being used in the Sudanese conflict are deeply troubling. The UK must prioritize ethical and accountable arms export policies that prevent the proliferation of its weapons to human rights abusers.
Absolutely. The UK’s international reputation and credibility are at stake. Decisive action is needed to address these concerns and restore confidence in the country’s arms export controls.
Concerning news about continued UK arms exports to the UAE, despite evidence of weapons diversion to Sudan. Transparency and accountability are critical when it comes to arms sales, especially in conflict-affected regions.
Agreed. The UK government should thoroughly investigate these allegations and take appropriate action to ensure its exports are not fueling human rights abuses elsewhere.
This news highlights the need for greater transparency and independent oversight of the UK’s arms trade. Robust due diligence and end-use monitoring should be mandatory to ensure exports align with the country’s human rights commitments.
The UK should be applying the highest standards of scrutiny to its arms trade, especially with partners facing allegations of weapons misuse. Prioritizing profits over ethical concerns is a worrying trend that demands closer examination.
Agreed. The UK government must demonstrate a clear commitment to responsible arms export policies that align with its human rights obligations and broader foreign policy goals.
While the economic factors cannot be ignored, the UK has a moral and legal duty to ensure its arms exports do not contribute to human rights abuses or fuel conflicts. Tighter controls and end-use monitoring are clearly warranted in this case.
Well said. The UK government must strike a careful balance between commercial interests and its responsibility to uphold human rights and international law through its arms export policies.
This story underscores the need for robust international frameworks to govern the global arms trade. Transparency and accountability should be the guiding principles, not short-term economic interests.
If the UK is aware of weapons being diverted to Sudan, they have an ethical obligation to halt exports until they can ensure proper end-use. Profiting from arms sales while civilians suffer is deeply troubling.
You raise a valid point. The moral and legal implications of continuing arms exports in the face of credible diversion allegations need to be carefully weighed by UK authorities.
This report highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play and the challenges of regulating arms exports. Rigorous monitoring and end-use verification are essential to uphold human rights and prevent unintended consequences.
This report raises serious concerns about the UK’s arms export practices. The government should conduct a thorough review and implement robust measures to prevent the diversion of British-made weapons to conflict zones.