New Delhi: Pakistan has deployed 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets, and an air defense system to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defense pact, ramping up military cooperation between the two countries. This comes at a time when Islamabad is playing the role of a mediator in the ongoing Iran conflict.
The deployment was first reported by Reuters, which said it was confirmed by three security officials and two government sources related to the matter who described it as a substantial, combat-capable force intended to support Saudi Arabia’s military if the kingdom comes under further attack.
What does the deal entail
According to the report, Pakistan’s deployment includes around 8,000 troops, a squadron of Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets, drone squadrons and a Chinese HQ-9 air defence system. Some reports also suggest Pakistani warships could join the deployment later if tensions worsen in the Gulf region.
The forces are meant to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s defences after recent Iranian-linked attacks and fears of further escalation in the region. Pakistani troops were already stationed in the kingdom for training and security cooperation, but the latest deployment is seen as a much larger and more combat-ready effort, seen as especially needed in the context of the current crisis developing in West Asia.
The deployment reportedly began earlier this year after attacks on Saudi infrastructure during the wider Iran conflict. Pakistani officials quoted in reports insisted the forces were deployed for defensive purposes and “not there to attack anyone”.
Part of defence agreement between the two nations
The troop deployment is linked to the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September 2025. Under the pact, both countries agreed to treat an attack on one as an attack on both, creating a collective security arrangement between the two allies.
Reports say the agreement allows Pakistan to deploy up to 80,000 troops to Saudi Arabia if needed. Some analysts have also described the pact as potentially placing Saudi Arabia under Pakistan’s “nuclear umbrella”, although the full details of the agreement remain confidential.