Report: Pakistan deploys thousands of soldiers and fighter jets in Saudi Arabia during the Iran war

Riyadh —
Press reports revealed that Pakistan deployed a large military force in Saudi Arabia during the Iran war, in a move reflecting the expanding defense coordination between Islamabad and Riyadh amid escalating regional tensions.

According to circulated information, the deployment included about 8,000 soldiers, a squadron of fighter jets, an air defense system, in addition to drones, as part of a defense agreement signed between the two countries last year.

Sources say the Pakistani force aims to support Saudi defenses in case the kingdom faces additional attacks, especially with the widening scope of the Gulf war and rising fears of targeting vital facilities or military sites.

Reports indicate that Pakistan sent a full squadron comprising about 16 fighter jets, most of them the "JF-17" model developed in cooperation with China, alongside a Chinese air defense system of the "HQ-9" model.

Information also mentioned the dispatch of two drone squadrons, with a commitment to send additional forces if needed.

The full terms of the defense agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan remain undisclosed, but both sides previously confirmed that it stipulates cooperation in facing any attack targeting either party.

The deployment gains additional importance due to the long-standing military relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, and because Islamabad possesses nuclear capabilities, which has raised questions about the extent of security guarantees it can provide to Washington and Riyadh at a highly sensitive regional moment.

So far, no detailed official comments have been issued by the Pakistani army or the Saudi government regarding the scope of the deployment, while reports reflect that Riyadh seeks to strengthen its defenses amid the ongoing war and increasing risks to Gulf security.