Agencies | Dubai:
Pakistan has significantly expanded its military presence in Saudi Arabia under the Joint Strategic Defence Agreement signed between the two countries last year, reflecting deepening defence cooperation amid heightened tensions in West Asia.
The deployment reportedly includes nearly 8,000 Pakistani troops, a squadron of fighter aircraft, air defence systems and anti-drone guns stationed across the kingdom to strengthen regional security coordination and operational preparedness.
According to sources, the Pakistani contingent includes around 16 JF-17 fighter jets — jointly developed by Pakistan and China — which were deployed to Saudi Arabia earlier this year along with support and surveillance assets.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence on April 11 confirmed the arrival of a Pakistani military force at King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Eastern Sector under the bilateral defence agreement. The ministry said the deployment is aimed at enhancing joint military cooperation, improving combat readiness and supporting regional stability.
Top Saudi security sources said Pakistani Air Force personnel, naval officers and army units are already operating in close coordination with Saudi forces.
It is learnt that Pakistan has also deployed advanced air defence systems, including the LY-80, FM-90 and Anza missile systems, which are currently being operated by Pakistani personnel stationed in Saudi Arabia.
Additional movements of Pakistan Air Force IL-78MP air tankers and cargo aircraft were reported on March 1, indicating possible reinforcement and logistical support operations linked to the deployment.
Ahead of the departure of the aircraft, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly held a telephonic conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“Pakistan stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and our brotherly Gulf countries in this perilous time. We remain ready to play a constructive role for peace and pray that the blessings of Ramadan bring calm and stability to our region,” Sharif said during the conversation on February 28.
The latest defence arrangement comes at a time of escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and underlines growing military ties between Islamabad and Riyadh. Pakistani officials have maintained that the cooperation framework is intended to strengthen mutual defence capabilities and ensure regional security in the Gulf region.
