Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops along with fighter jets and air defense systems to Saudi Arabia under a bilateral defense arrangement, Reuters reported today.
The deployment includes a full squadron of approximately 16 fighter aircraft, primarily JF-17 jets, sent to the kingdom in early April.
The package also includes two drone squadrons and a Chinese-made HQ-9 air defense system, all operated by Pakistani personnel and funded by Saudi Arabia.
The force is a combat-ready deployment intended to support Saudi defense capabilities in case of external aggression.
Both sides have previously stated that the agreement includes mutual defense obligations in the event of an attack. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has earlier indicated that the arrangement could extend Pakistan’s strategic deterrence umbrella to Saudi Arabia.
Several thousand Pakistani troops were also previously stationed in the kingdom under earlier agreements.
Some officials further said the framework may also include naval deployments, although it remains unclear whether any Pakistani warships are currently stationed in Saudi waters.
The scale of the deployment suggests a big operational agreement rather than a symbolic presence.
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