West Asia Crisis: Pakistan Deploys 8,000 Troops, Fighter Jets to Saudi Arabia Under Secret Defence Pact

Pakistan has significantly expanded its military presence in Saudi Arabia by deploying nearly 8,000 troops, fighter aircraft, drones and an advanced air defence system under a confidential bilateral defence agreement.

The deployment comes amid heightened tension in West Asia. The move marks one of Pakistan’s largest recent military deployments to Saudi Arabia.

According to Reuters, Pakistan sent around 16 fighter aircraft, including JF-17 jets, to Saudi Arabia in early April. The deployment also reportedly included two squadrons of drones and a Chinese made HQ-9 air defence system. The equipment is being operated by Pakistani personnel and financed by Saudi Arabia.

The expanded military cooperation comes even as Pakistan has positioned itself as a mediator in the West Asia crisis and played a role in ceasefire efforts in the region.

Reuters also reported that Pakistan, on Monday (May 19), conveyed Iran’s revised proposal to the United States as part of mediation efforts in the West Asia conflict.

The forces currently deployed are expected to assist Saudi Arabia in defensive preparedness, military coordination and operational support in case of further escalation in the region. The contingent adds to Pakistani troops already stationed in the kingdom under long-standing security cooperation arrangements.

Last year, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a confidential defence agreement that reportedly requires both countries to come to each other’s defence in the event of an attack. Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had earlier suggested that the arrangement places Saudi Arabia under Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella.

The confidential defence pact allows Pakistan to deploy up to 80,000 troops to Saudi Arabia and commits both countries to mutual military assistance in case of an attack. The agreement may also include the deployment of Pakistani warships, Reuters reported.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained close defence and strategic ties for decades, with Islamabad regularly providing military training and advisory support to the kingdom, while Riyadh has often provided financial assistance to Pakistan during economic crises.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have so far declined to comment on the reported deployment.