Pakistan will station roughly 25,000 soldiers in Saudi Arabia as part of a new Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, a senior source told CNN-News18. The troops will assist with Saudi security, conduct joint operations, and train local forces, in exchange for Saudi investments of $10 billion.
The agreement was signed on September 17 in Riyadh by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to a joint statement, “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”
While the full text of the pact has not been released, sources say the core arrangement links Saudi financial support to Pakistan with the deployment of troops, military equipment, and expertise to bolster Saudi security. Pakistan will also help Saudi Arabia acquire advanced Chinese military equipment, including fighter jets.
Details of the Deployment
Pakistan is expected to send four army brigades—comprising armored, artillery, infantry, and rocket units—alongside two air force squadrons and two naval fleets. The forces will be stationed at multiple locations across Saudi Arabia under a lieutenant general, with additional deployment of two major generals and eight brigadiers.
Pakistani air force and naval personnel will work with their Saudi counterparts in joint operations, training programs, and military exercises. Beyond personnel deployment, Pakistan will assist in establishing advanced air defence and rocket command structures. Military equipment, including ammunition, mortars, tanks, and short-range missiles, will also be supplied to Saudi Arabia.
Strategic and Economic Exchange
Saudi Arabia is expected to procure Chinese fighter planes like the JF-17 and J-10 and collaborate with Pakistan on a fifth-generation fighter jet program. In return, Saudi Arabia will invest $10 billion in Pakistan’s infrastructure, economy, energy, mining, and security sectors to strengthen economic stability.
Additionally, the pact includes diplomatic support, with Saudi Arabia aiding Pakistan in improving ties with nations such as Afghanistan and India. Bilateral trade between the two countries is also set to triple from $5 billion to $15 billion annually across all sectors.
The agreement highlights Pakistan’s growing role in regional security and Saudi Arabia’s strategic intent to bolster its defence capabilities through international partnerships.
