Pakistan has deployed approximately 13,000 soldiers and up to 18 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz Air Base, marking the largest activation of the countries' mutual defense agreement since its signing in September 2025.
The deployment comes after Iranian strikes targeted Saudi Arabia's Jubail petrochemicals complex earlier this week, killing one Saudi national and damaging critical energy infrastructure. Pakistani officials confirmed the military contingent arrived to reassure Riyadh of Islamabad's commitment to defend the kingdom against further attacks.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence announced the Pakistani force includes both fighter aircraft and support planes from the Pakistan Air Force. The deployment aims to enhance joint military coordination and raise operational readiness between the two nations' armed forces.
not there to attack anyone
Senior Pakistani government official — Reuters
The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stipulates that any attack on either nation constitutes aggression against both. This marks the first major test of that commitment since the pact's inception.
Frames the deployment as routine military cooperation under existing agreements, emphasizing the strategic partnership aspect while downplaying regional tensions. India's perspective matters given its complex relationships with all three nations and concerns about Pakistani military capabilities being deployed abroad.