According to a May 18 Reuters report, amid the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict shaping Middle East tensions, Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops to Saudi Arabia, along with a fighter jet squadron, a drone unit, and Chinese-made air defense systems, under a mutual defense agreement signed with Saudi Arabia last year. This previously undisclosed large-scale military deployment is seen as a clear signal of significantly upgraded military cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh.
At the same time, Pakistan is also currently an important mediator in ceasefire and negotiations between the United States and Iran, making its role in regional dynamics increasingly complex.
Combat-level deployment revealed: fighter jets, air defenses, and drones
Reuters, citing three security officials and two government sources, reported that the deployment is not symbolic support, but a fully operational combat force.
Sources said Pakistan sent a full squadron of about 16 JF-17 “Thunder” fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in early April. The aircraft were jointly developed by China and Pakistan. In addition, Pakistan also deployed two drone squadrons and China-made HQ-9 air defense systems.
All equipment is operated by Pakistani military personnel, while costs are covered by Saudi Arabia.
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The deployment is also said to include around 8,000 Pakistani soldiers, with a commitment to send more troops if necessary. Some security officials also stated that the agreement may include the deployment of Pakistani naval vessels, though Reuters could not confirm whether any ships have arrived in Saudi Arabia.
The report notes that thousands of Pakistani troops have already been stationed in Saudi Arabia for long-term duties, but this new deployment is far larger in scale and capability than previous advisory or training missions.
Secret defense pact reportedly allows up to 80,000 troops in Saudi Arabia
According to information obtained by Reuters, the mutual defense agreement signed last year between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia remains classified in its details. However, both sides have publicly stated that an attack on either country would trigger mutual defense obligations.
A government source who reviewed the agreement said it allows for up to 80,000 Pakistani troops to be deployed in Saudi Arabia to jointly secure border defense with Saudi forces.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif previously suggested in an interview with Geo TV that Saudi Arabia is effectively under Pakistan’s “nuclear umbrella.” He stated at the time that Pakistan’s nuclear capability would be “made available to Saudi Arabia if needed.”
Pakistan’s military, foreign ministry, and the Saudi government media office did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
Mediating Iran conflict while expanding support to Saudi Arabia
Reuters noted that Pakistan’s military reinforcement comes as it plays an active role as a mediator in the Iran conflict.
Earlier, Iran launched attacks on key Saudi energy facilities, killing a Saudi citizen. Reuters previously reported that Pakistan subsequently deployed fighter jets to Saudi Arabia on an emergency basis to prevent further escalation.
Since then, Islamabad has become one of the main mediators between the United States and Iran. A ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, which has held for the past six weeks, is said to have been brokered by Pakistan. Pakistan also hosted the only round of U.S.–Iran peace talks so far, although follow-up talks scheduled later were canceled.
However, Reuters later reported that Saudi Arabia had conducted several undisclosed retaliatory strikes against Iran in response to attacks on its territory.
Israeli media outlet i24NEWS, citing the report, noted that Pakistan has long provided military support to Saudi Arabia, including training, advisory roles, and troop cooperation; while Saudi Arabia has also repeatedly provided financial assistance to Pakistan during periods of economic difficulty.
