Pakistan has sent 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets, and an air defense system to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defense agreement, top military sources in Pakistan told Reuters on Monday. Islamabad is increasing its military cooperation with Riyadh while acting as the main mediator in the US-Iran war.
Pakistan sent 8,000 troops
Three security officials and two government sources confirmed the deployment. They described it as a significant, combat-ready force aimed at supporting Saudi Arabia’s military in case of further attacks.
According to sources, Pakistan has sent a full squadron of about 16 aircraft, primarily JF-17 fighters developed in collaboration with China. These aircraft dispatched to Saudi Arabia in early April. Two security officials noted that Pakistan also sent two squadrons of drones.
Sent Jets to Saudi Arabia
All five sources mentioned that the deployment includes around 8,000 troops, with a promise to send more if necessary, along with a Chinese HQ-9 air defense system. The equipment operated by Pakistan personnel and is financed by Saudi Arabia.
The military and air force personnel sent during the Iran conflict mainly take on advisory and training roles, according to two security officials who have seen exchanges between the two countries and documents regarding the military assets’ deployment.
This deployment adds to the thousands of Pakistani troops already in the kingdom under prior agreements, as said by all three security officials.
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