Pakistan deploys 8,000 troops, air defense system to Saudi Arabia

Pakistan has deployed 8,000 troops, a fighter jet squadron and an air defense system to Saudi Arabia under a bilateral defense agreement during the Iran-Iraq war. Both countries will be obliged to defend each other if either side is attacked. This information was reported in a report by the news agency Reuters on Monday (May 18).
The report said that the full details of the deployment have been released for the first time. Three security officials and two government sources confirmed the information. They said that it is a significant combat-capable force, which will help the country’s military in case of a new attack on Saudi Arabia.
According to the source, Pakistan has deployed a full squadron of about 16 fighter jets. Most of them are JF-17 fighter jets jointly developed with China. These aircraft were sent to Saudi Arabia in early April. In addition, two drone squadrons have been sent, two security officials said.
They added that about 8,000 troops have been sent as part of the deployment and that more troops are being promised if needed. China has also deployed the HQ-9 air defense system. The military equipment is being operated by Pakistani personnel and is being fully funded by Saudi Arabia.
Two security officials said the deal also includes the deployment of Pakistani warships. Reuters could not confirm whether any warships had already arrived in Saudi Arabia. There was no immediate comment from the Pakistani military, the foreign ministry or the Saudi government’s media office.
Although the full terms of the defense agreement signed last year are secret, both countries have said they will come to each other’s defense in the event of an attack. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif had previously indicated that Saudi Arabia is included in Pakistan’s nuclear security under the deal.
Earlier, Reuters reported that Pakistan had sent warplanes to Saudi Arabia after an Iranian attack damaged a key Saudi energy facility and killed a Saudi citizen, amid fears that Saudi Arabia could escalate the conflict with a major counterattack.