The mutual defense pact signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has finally revealed its secrets. According to Reuters revelations, Islamabad has deployed 8,000 troops and a squadron of 16 fighter jets as part of its military cooperation agreement with Riyadh.
Confirmed last year, the scale of this deployment is revealed publicly for the first time by five sources, all of whom described it as a large, combat-capable force, intended to support the Saudi army if the kingdom were to suffer further attacks.
Warships and up to 80,000 soldiers
In detail, this defense agreement ratified the deployment of a complete squadron of around 16 aircraft, mainly JF-17 fighters manufactured jointly with China, sent to Saudi Arabia at the beginning of April. Two squadrons of drones were also sent there, as well as a Chinese HQ-9 air defense system.
The pact also provides for the future deployment of Pakistani warships, and the possibility of sending up to 80,000 soldiers. For the moment, the 8,000 already present, members of the army and air force, will mainly fulfill an advisory and training role.
Islamabad and Riyadh have always remained silent on the full terms of the defense agreement signed last year. The latter is simply based on obligatory mutual defense in the event of attack. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also suggested that the deal placed Saudi Arabia under Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella.
These revelations come as Pakistan plays a dual role as mediator in the conflict in Iran, hosting rounds of negotiations in Islamabad with the United States.
