Media: Pakistan deploys troops, jets to Saudi Arabia during Iran war

Pakistan has deployed 8,000 troops, fighter jets and an air defence system to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence pact amid rising Iran-linked tensions, officials told Reuters.

The deployment includes roughly 16 JF-17 fighter aircraft, drones and a Chinese-made HQ-9 air defence system, all operated by Pakistani personnel, while Saudi Arabia is financing the arrangement, according to three security officials and two government sources.

The sources said the force is intended to provide combat-capable support to Saudi Arabia in the event of an attack, marking a step beyond purely symbolic or advisory cooperation.

The military and foreign office of Pakistan, as well as Saudi Arabia’s government media office, did not respond to requests for comment.

The deployment follows a confidential defence pact signed last year, which both sides have said obliges them to come to each other’s defence if attacked. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has previously suggested the agreement effectively places Saudi Arabia under Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella.

Two security officials said the agreement also covers possible deployment of Pakistani warships, though it remains unclear whether any have been sent.

One government source, who said they had seen the text of the agreement, stated it allows for up to 80,000 Pakistani troops to be deployed to Saudi Arabia to help secure its borders alongside Saudi forces.

Officials described the current deployment as including advisory and training roles, although its scale — spanning combat aircraft, air defence systems and thousands of troops — indicates a broader operational presence.

Pakistan has a long history of military cooperation with Saudi Arabia, including training missions and advisory deployments, while Riyadh has provided financial assistance to Islamabad during periods of economic pressure.

By Aghakazim Guliyev