Pakistan Deploys Fighter Jets to Saudi Arabia Under Strategic Defence Pact
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Pakistan has deployed fighter jets and additional military assets to Saudi Arabia to strengthen security cooperation under a recently signed bilateral defence agreement, the kingdom’s Ministry of Defence announced on Saturday.
The deployment follows the signing of a landmark “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September 2025. The accord, concluded during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, commits both nations to consider any aggression against one as an attack on both.
According to the Saudi defence ministry, Pakistani fighter jets and support aircraft have arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Eastern Province. The deployment includes aircraft from the Pakistan Air Force aimed at enhancing joint military coordination and operational readiness between the two countries.
“The Pakistani force consists of fighter and support aircraft belonging to the Pakistan Air Force, with the aim of enhancing joint military coordination,” the statement said, adding that the move would contribute to strengthening regional and international security and stability.
Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, also shared details of the development on social media.
The agreement marks a significant expansion of the long-standing strategic relationship between Islamabad and Riyadh. Pakistan has historically provided military training and advisory support to Saudi Arabia, while the kingdom has extended financial assistance to Pakistan during periods of economic difficulty.
The latest development comes shortly after high-level financial discussions between the two countries. During a meeting in Islamabad, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan reaffirmed Riyadh’s commitment to supporting Pakistan economically, particularly in light of challenges arising from tensions in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia has previously extended major financial assistance to Pakistan, including a $6 billion package announced in 2018, comprising a $3 billion deposit in Pakistan’s central bank and $3 billion in deferred oil payment facilities.
The current military deployment underscores the deepening defence and economic partnership between the two countries amid evolving regional dynamics.
