Pakistan has deployed approximately 8,000 troops, a fighter jet squadron, and an air defense system to Saudi Arabia as part of a bilateral defense pact between the countries. According to Reuters sources, about 16 combat aircraft, primarily Chinese-Pakistani manufactured JF-17 fighters, were transferred to Saudi Arabia, UNN reports.
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In addition, Islamabad has reportedly sent two drone squadrons and a Chinese-made HQ-9 air defense system. All Reuters sources claim that the equipment is operated by Pakistani military personnel, while funding is provided by Saudi Arabia.
Officially, neither the Pakistani authorities nor Riyadh have commented on this data yet.
According to sources, the military and aviation units primarily perform advisory and training functions. At the same time, Pakistani military personnel have been in Saudi Arabia for a long time with combat missions under previous agreements. One official familiar with the text of the confidential defense treaty stated that the document allows for the possibility of deploying up to 80,000 Pakistani troops to Saudi Arabia if necessary.
Also, according to sources, the agreement may involve the use of Pakistani warships, although there is currently no confirmation of their arrival in the kingdom. The deployment of troops took place against the backdrop of the escalating conflict between Iran and the US with Israel, as well as following strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure.
Reuters previously reported that Saudi Arabia had carried out non-public strikes against Iran in response to attacks inside the kingdom.
Despite this, Pakistan simultaneously remains a key mediator in negotiations between Washington and Tehran. It was Islamabad that hosted the only round of peace talks between the parties since the conflict began. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif previously stated that the defense alliance with Saudi Arabia provides for mutual protection in the event of an attack. He also hinted that Riyadh is effectively under Pakistan's "nuclear umbrella."