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Pakistan Deploys 13,000 Troops and Fighter Jets to Saudi Arabia Under Defense Pact

13 April, 2026.Pakistan.12 sources

Key Takeaways

About 13,000 Pakistani troops and fighter jets arrived in Saudi Arabia.
Deployment under a mutual defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province.

Pakistani Forces Deploy in Saudi Arabia

Pakistan deployed a military contingent of approximately 13,000 soldiers and 10 to 18 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

“Top Daily News Politics World Society Economy Culture Health Report Arts Sports Technology Author Mother-tongue Education Literature Editorial Protests AZ RU EN Az Fa Deployment of Pakistani military forces in Saudi Arabia Homepage of Daily News | 12pt 14pt 16pt 18pt In the framework of a bilateral defense agreement, units of the Pakistani military, including fighter jets and support aircraft, entered an air base on Saudi soil on Saturday”

Axar.Az

The Saudi Ministry of Defence announced the deployment to strengthen joint military coordination.

Axar.Az

The mutual defense pact declares any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.

Expert Mohammad Mehdi told PTI that Pakistan had sent aircraft and troops last month but the news was only now broken by Saudi authorities.

The deployment included fighter jets and support aircraft from the Pakistan Air Force.

Historical Military Ties and Regional Context

Military cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia dates back to the 1960s.

The deployment came amid escalating regional tensions after Iranian attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure.

Devdiscourse

Three well-informed sources told Reuters the deployment was aimed at reassuring Riyadh.

Saudi Finance Minister Al-Jadaan traveled to Islamabad to demonstrate economic support.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar would provide Pakistan with financial aid totaling $5 billion.

Strategic Implications and Regional Security

The deployment significantly deepened the decades-old security partnership between Riyadh and Islamabad.

“✕ Home News Analysis Agro-Forestry Art & Culture Technology Economy & Business Education Energy & Extractives Politics Law & Governance Health Science & Environment Social & Gender Sports Transport Urban Development WASH Research LogIn/SignUp Close the sidebar Strengthening Ties: Pakistani Fighters Land in Saudi Arabia A Pakistani military force, including fighter jets, has arrived at Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz Air Base as part of a bilateral defence pact”

Devdiscourse

The move came as the Trump administration favored a regional security model.

The Saudi–Pakistan military cooperation are indications of moving toward such a structure.

Riyadh assured Islamabad of full financial support to address issues stemming from the Middle East conflict.

Pakistan has long relied on Saudi support for its economy.