Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey Defence Pact Expected Soon, Report Claims

Turkiye Likely to Join Pakistan-Saudi Mutual Defence Pact, Reports Say

ISLAMABAD/ANKARA: Turkiye is reportedly in advanced talks to join the mutual defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, potentially creating a trilateral security alliance with far-reaching implications for the Middle East, South Asia, and global security, Bloomberg reported Friday.

The Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement was signed in Riyadh last September by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, pledging that any attack on either country would be treated as an act of aggression against both.

According to Bloomberg sources, “a deal is very likely” as Turkiye seeks to expand its strategic and military cooperation with both countries.

Why Turkiye Is Interested

Experts say the expanded alliance aligns with Turkiye’s growing regional interests in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The country views the pact as a way to strengthen security and deterrence, particularly amid uncertainties over US commitments to NATO and regional alliances.

Turkiye brings advanced military capabilities and a developed defence industry, while Pakistan contributes nuclear capability, ballistic missiles, and manpower, and Saudi Arabia provides financial and logistical strength, according to Nihat Ali Ozcan, a strategist with Ankara-based think tank TEPAV.

“As the US prioritises its own interests and Israel’s security in the region, countries are seeking new mechanisms to identify allies and strategic partners,” Ozcan told Bloomberg.

A New Era in Regional Security

The trilateral talks mark a significant shift in regional security dynamics. Recent cooperation between Riyadh and Ankara, including their first-ever naval meeting in Ankara, signals a move toward stronger economic and defence ties, Bloomberg reported.

Turkiye’s existing defence cooperation with Pakistan is already substantial:

Building corvette warships for the Pakistan Navy

Upgrading Pakistan Air Force F-16 jets

Sharing drone technology

Inviting Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to join its Kaan fifth-generation fighter jet program

These partnerships come amid evolving regional challenges, including:

Pakistan’s border tensions with Afghanistan

The recent ceasefire between Pakistan and India after a four-day military clash in May

Shared concerns over Iran’s regional influence

Longstanding Pakistan-Saudi Ties

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a multifaceted relationship based on military cooperation, economic support, and cultural ties. Riyadh has been a key financial and energy partner for Islamabad, providing aid and oil supplies.

Turkiye has also become Pakistan’s second-largest arms supplier, accounting for 11% of total arms imports in 2023, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Joint defence projects like Milgem warships, aircraft modernisation, and drone acquisitions have strengthened military collaboration between the two countries.

Implications of Turkiye Joining the Pact

If Turkiye formally joins the Pakistan-Saudi defence alliance, it could:

Create a trilateral military bloc with significant influence in South Asia and the Middle East

Strengthen regional deterrence against security threats

Deepen defence technology and intelligence-sharing among the three nations

This development underscores a shift in strategic alliances, as regional powers seek alternatives to traditional Western security guarantees.

Stay connected with Chatzyr.net for the latest updates on Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Middle East security developments, as well as in-depth analysis of regional defence and strategic affairs.