Pakistan has stepped up its military presence in Saudi Arabia under the Joint Strategic Defence Agreement signed between the two countries last year, amid escalating tensions across West Asia.
The deployment is understood to include nearly 8,000 Pakistani troops, a squadron of fighter jets, air defence systems and anti-drone weaponry positioned in the kingdom to strengthen joint security coordination and military preparedness in the region.
Sources said the Pakistani deployment includes around 16 JF-17 fighter aircraft — jointly produced by Pakistan and China — along with surveillance and support assets sent to Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence had confirmed on April 11 that a Pakistani military force arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Eastern Sector as part of the bilateral defence agreement. The ministry said the deployment was intended to deepen military cooperation, improve combat readiness and contribute to regional stability.
According to security sources, personnel from Pakistan’s Air Force, Army and Navy are operating closely with Saudi forces. Pakistan has also reportedly deployed advanced air defence systems, including LY-80, FM-90 and Anza missile systems, which are being handled by Pakistani personnel stationed in the kingdom.
Additional movements involving Pakistan Air Force IL-78MP aerial refuelling aircraft and cargo planes were reported in March, suggesting further logistical and reinforcement support linked to the deployment.
Ahead of the aircraft movement, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and reiterated Islamabad’s support for Saudi Arabia and Gulf nations amid the regional tensions.
“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.
The latest deployment comes at a time of heightened instability in West Asia and signals growing strategic and military cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh. Pakistani officials have maintained that the defence arrangement is focused on strengthening collective security and maintaining stability in the Gulf region.
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