The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Pakistan has dispatched fighter jets and additional military assets to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defense agreement, in a move aimed at strengthening regional security amid escalating tensions involving Iran, Reuters reported.
According to a statement from Saudi Arabia’s defense
ministry, Pakistani fighter jets and support aircraft arrived at King Abdulaziz
Air Base in the kingdom’s eastern province. The deployment is intended to
enhance joint defense cooperation and contribute to regional and international
stability.
The move comes after recent Iranian strikes reportedly
targeted key Saudi energy infrastructure, killing a Saudi national, sources
told Reuters. A senior Pakistani government official, speaking on condition of
anonymity, emphasized that the deployed forces were “not there to attack
anyone.”
An earlier strike on the Jubail petrochemicals complex
raised concerns in Islamabad that Riyadh might retaliate, potentially
complicating ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Iran. Pakistani officials
viewed the deployment as a step to reassure Saudi Arabia of its defense support
while avoiding further escalation, according to Reuters.
Saudi authorities and Pakistan’s military have not publicly
commented on the development.
The deployment reflects a deepening security relationship
between the two countries, formalized in a mutual defense pact signed in
September 2025. The agreement commits both nations to treat an attack on one as
an attack on both, reinforcing a longstanding strategic partnership.
Pakistan has historically provided military assistance to
Saudi Arabia, including training and advisory roles, while Riyadh has extended
financial support to Islamabad during economic challenges. In 2018, Saudi
Arabia announced a $6 billion assistance package for Pakistan, including a
central bank deposit and deferred oil payments.
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan also visited
Pakistan this week, signaling continued economic backing, a source familiar
with the matter told Reuters.
