Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defence: As tensions grow in the Middle East, Pakistan has stepped forward to support Saudi Arabia. Senior security officials from both countries said Pakistan is giving full military backing under the Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement.
Reports say Pakistan has already sent air defence systems, troops and other military staff to Saudi Arabia. These forces are meant to strengthen the kingdom’s security system during this sensitive time.
Air Defence Systems and Troops Deployed
Units from Pakistan’s Air Defence Corps have moved important missile systems to Saudi Arabia. These include LY-80, FM-90 and Anza-series medium and short range missile systems. Even though these systems are now in Saudi Arabia, they are still under Pakistani command. At the same time they are working together with Saudi Arabia’s wider air defence network.
Saudi security officials confirmed that members of Pakistan’s army, air force and navy are working closely with Saudi forces. The overall supervision of this deployment is being handled by former Pakistani Army Chief General Raheel Sharif. He is currently leading the 43-nation Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition.
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Sources also said that two Pakistan Air Force IL-78MP air tanker and cargo aircraft, with registrations R11-003 and R09-001, were shifted from Nur Khan Air Base to Karachi on March 1. These aircraft are believed to be carrying extra troops, missile systems and other key equipment to Saudi Arabia. Experts believe this move could help Pakistan support air patrols over the Arabian Sea. There is also talk that JF-17 Thunder fighter jets could be involved under the defence agreement.
Political Support
Before this military move, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman on February 28. During the conversation he repeated Pakistan’s strong support for Saudi Arabia. He said, “Pakistan stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and our brotherly Gulf countries in this perilous time. We remain ready to play a constructive role for peace and pray that the blessings of Ramadan bring calm and stability to our region,”.
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Officials say this latest action shows how serious Pakistan is about Gulf security. It also shows the deep military and strategic ties between the two countries.
