News
May 22, 2026
Pakistan Deploys Jets, Thousands of Troops to Saudi Arabia
Islamabad: Pakistan has deployed 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets and an air defense system to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defense pact, ramping up military cooperation with Riyadh even as Islamabad serves as the main mediator in the Iran war.
The deployment, the full scale of which is reported here for the first time, was confirmed by three security officials and two government sources, all of whom described it as a substantial, combat-capable force intended to support Saudi Arabia’s military if the kingdom comes under further attack.
Pakistan’s military and foreign office and Saudi Arabia’s government media office did not respond to requests for comment on the deployment.
According to the sources, Pakistan has deployed a full squadron of around 16 aircraft, mostly JF-17 fighters made jointly with China, which were sent to Saudi Arabia in early April. Two of the security officials said Pakistan had also sent two squadrons of drones.
All five sources said the deployment includes around 8,000 troops, with a pledge to send more if needed, as well as a Chinese HQ-9 air defense system.
The equipment is operated by Pakistani personnel and financed by Saudi Arabia, they said. - Reuters
Courtesy Reuters
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