Responding to Middle East Conflict, Pakistan Deploys Fighter Jets and 8,000 Troops to Saudi Arabia: Reuters

Key news on the US-Iran war. Central Message (CNA Islamabad, 18th, comprehensive foreign report) Pakistan, under a mutual defense agreement, has deployed 8,000 troops, a fighter jet squadron, and an air defense system to Saudi Arabia. Pakistan is strengthening military cooperation with Saudi Arabia while also being a key mediator in the US-Iran war. The scale of this deployment was first revealed by Reuters, and confirmed by three security officials and two government sources. They stated that this is a large, combat-capable force intended to support the Saudi military in the event of further attacks. The Pakistani military and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Saudi Arabian government's media office, did not respond to requests for comment on the deployment. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed this defense agreement last year, with all terms being confidential, though both sides have said it requires them to defend each other if attacked. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif had also previously hinted that the agreement places Saudi Arabia under Pakistan's nuclear umbrella. According to sources, Pakistan dispatched a full squadron of about 16 aircraft to Saudi Arabia in early April, primarily the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets co-developed by Pakistan and China (known as the FC-1 Xiaolong in China). Two security officials also revealed that Pakistan has separately sent two drone squadrons. All five knowledgeable sources indicated that this deployment includes about 8,000 troops and a Chinese HQ-9 air defense system, with further troops to be sent if necessary. They mentioned that these assets are operated by Pakistani personnel, with funding provided by Saudi Arabia. According to two security officials, the military and air force personnel sent during the Iran conflict are primarily responsible for advisory and training missions. However, some sources pointed out that the scale and composition of this deployment—fighter jets, air defense systems, and thousands of troops—indicate that Pakistan is providing more than just symbolic or advisory support. (Translation: Hong Peiying) 1150518 Stand with facts; every donation you make is a force for protecting press freedom. Download the CNA "First-Hand News" APP to get the latest news in real-time. The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.