Pakistan has sent a small number of fighter and support jets to Saudi Arabia, marking the first visible military step under a mutual defence pact signed in September 2025. The aircraft landed at King Abdulaziz Air Base in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province on Saturday, according to the Saudi Ministry of Defence, according to Aljazeera.
This deployment comes as Pakistan hosts sensitive ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, aimed at ending weeks of regional conflict that began after Iran’s missile and drone strikes on US targets in Gulf states.
First Visible Move Under 2025 Pact
The mutual defence agreement, signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh, commits both nations to treat an attack on one as an attack on the other. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had earlier warned Iranian leaders that Islamabad would honour its obligations to Saudi Arabia.
Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Riyadh in early March to discuss ways to stop Iranian strikes. Just days before the jets arrived, Sharif spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and pledged that Pakistan would stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the kingdom.
Analysts describe the move as largely symbolic. Imtiaz Gul noted that “three jets won’t make much of a difference militarily” given Saudi Arabia’s large air force, but it sends a clear message to Iran about Pakistan’s commitments.
Timing Raises Questions in Regional Tensions
The deployment occurs against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire. Iran has continued attacks on Saudi targets, including key bases. Meanwhile, Pakistan is trying to mediate between Washington and Tehran.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also agreed to speed up a promised $5 billion Saudi investment package for Pakistan’s economy. On Saturday, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan met Sharif in Islamabad alongside Dar and Munir.
Saudi Arabia remains a major economic partner for Pakistan, hosting over 2.5 million Pakistani workers whose remittances are vital. The move highlights the close defence and economic ties between the two countries while Islamabad navigates complex regional diplomacy.