Pakistan has reportedly deployed 8,000 troops, JF-17 fighter jets, drones and an HQ-9 air defence system to Saudi Arabia under a confidential mutual defence pact, according to Reuters. The move strengthens military ties with Riyadh amid regional tensions, even as Islamabad balances its role as a key mediator in the US-Iran conflict.

Pakistan has sent military contingent to Saudi Arabia, including 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets, and an advanced air defence system, under a confidential mutual defence agreement between the two countries, top military sources in Pakistan told Reuters on Monday.

According to multiple security and government sources cited by Reuters, the deployment represents a major expansion of Islamabad’s military cooperation with Riyadh at a time when Pakistan is also playing a key diplomatic role in easing tensions between the United States and Iran.

Large-Scale Combat Deployment

Sources said Pakistan dispatched around 16 JF-17 fighter aircraft, jointly manufactured with China, to Saudi Arabia earlier this year. The deployment is also believed to include two squadrons of military drones and a Chinese-made HQ-9 air defence system, all operated by Pakistani personnel and funded by Saudi Arabia.