International News Agency Reuters has reported that Pakistan has deployed 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets, and a Chinese HQ-9 air defence system to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, significantly increasing military cooperation with Riyadh while serving as the main mediator in the Iran conflict.
The deployment, confirmed for the first time by three security officials and two government sources, is described as a substantial, combat-capable force intended to support Saudi Arabia in the event of further attacks. Pakistan’s military and foreign office, as well as Saudi Arabia’s government media office, did not respond to requests for comment.
The full terms of the defence agreement, signed last year, remain confidential. However, both sides have stated that it obliges Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to defend each other if attacked. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has previously suggested that the pact places Saudi Arabia under Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella.
According to sources, Pakistan deployed a full squadron of around 16 aircraft, mostly JF-17 fighters co-produced with China, sent to Saudi Arabia in early April. Two security officials also confirmed the deployment of two squadrons of drones.
The 8,000 troops currently deployed are accompanied by a pledge to send additional forces if necessary. The Chinese HQ-9 air defence system, operated by Pakistani personnel, was also part of the deployment, with Saudi Arabia financing the equipment.
Security officials indicated that the military and air force personnel will primarily serve advisory and training roles during the ongoing Iran conflict. However, the deployment builds on thousands of Pakistani combat troops already stationed in the kingdom under prior agreements. One government source, familiar with the defence pact, noted that the agreement allows for up to 80,000 Pakistani troops to be deployed to Saudi Arabia to secure the kingdom’s borders alongside Saudi forces.
The pact also reportedly includes the deployment of Pakistani warships, though Reuters could not verify if any had arrived in Saudi Arabia. Officials emphasized that the scale of the deployment — including combat aircraft, air defence systems, and thousands of troops — far exceeds a symbolic or advisory mission.
Reuters had earlier reported that Pakistan sent jets to Saudi Arabia after Iranian strikes targeted key energy infrastructure, killed a Saudi national, and raised fears of major retaliation. This occurred before Islamabad became the principal mediator in the conflict, brokering a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran that has held for six weeks. Pakistan hosted the only round of U.S.-Iranian peace talks to date and had planned further sessions that were later canceled.
According to previous reporting, Saudi Arabia has conducted numerous unpublicized retaliatory strikes on Iran. Pakistan has historically provided military support to Saudi Arabia, including training and advisory deployments, while Riyadh has provided financial assistance to Islamabad during periods of economic stress.
