Pakistan Sends 8,000 Troops, Fighter Jets And Air Defence to Saudi Arabia
New Delhi: Pakistan has deployed 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets and a Chinese HQ-9 air defence system to Saudi Arabia, a US ally, under a mutual defence pact, even as it continues to position itself as the principal mediator in the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran.
The extent of the deployment was confirmed by three security officials and two government sources, who described it as "a substantial, combat-capable force intended to support Saudi Arabia's military if the kingdom comes under further attack," Reuters reported.
The two countries signed a mutual defence pact on September 17, 2025, the full details of which have not been made public. However, both sides have affirmed that the pact necessitates Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to come to the other's defence if attacked.
Also read: Saudi-Pakistan Pact Highlights Indian Isolation
Extent of deployment
According to Reuters, a squadron of approximately 16 aircraft, predominantly JF-17 fighter jets jointly developed with China, was dispatched to Saudi Arabia in early April. Two security officials also said two squadrons of drones were part of the deployment.
All equipment is operated by Pakistani personnel and financed by Saudi Arabia. Two security officials told Reuters that military and air force deployment during the Iran conflict primarily serves advisory and training functions. It adds to the thousands of Pakistani troops already stationed in Saudi Arabia under previous agreements, the sources told Reuters.
According to Middle East Eye, the Chinese HQ-9 air defence system augments Saudi Arabia's large stockpile of high-tech US-made systems. The country hosts the biggest inventory of US-made Patriot interceptors in the Gulf region and is also equipped with THAAD defence systems.
Reuters noted that the confidential defence pact provides the possibility of deploying as many as 80,000 Pakistani troops to Saudi Arabia to help secure the kingdom's borders.
Two security sources also told Reuters that the agreement incorporates a naval component involving Pakistani warships, although whether any vessels have been deployed remains uncertain.
Islamabad's dual position
The scale and composition of the recent deployment, including combat aircraft, air defence systems and a significant troop presence, suggests a mission well beyond a limited advisory footprint, the report added.
Pakistan had previously sent jets to Saudi Arabia after Iranian strikes damaged key energy infrastructure and killed a Saudi national. Subsequent reports indicated that Saudi Arabia conducted a series of covert strikes on Iranian targets in response to the attacks.
Since then, Islamabad has positioned itself as a key mediator in the conflict, facilitating communications between Washington and Tehran. On April 11, Pakistan hosted the only known round of direct US-Iran talks seeking to broker a ceasefire between the countries.
Senior officials, including US Vice President J.D. Vance, travelled to Islamabad for meetings with Iranian representatives. Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, reportedly held multiple conversations with US President Donald Trump during the conflict.
Saudi Arabia has repeatedly assisted Pakistan in times of economic stress. After the United Arab Emirates withdrew a $3 billion loan from Pakistan in the aftermath of hosting the US-Iran talks, Saudi Arabia stepped in as a key financial lifeline, the Middle East Eye reported.
Pakistan's regional strategy during the conflict reflects competing pressures of financial dependency on Riyadh, while simultaneously striving to act as a credible mediator.
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