Under the Joint Strategic Defense Agreement signed in September 2025, fighter jets and support elements belonging to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) have arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
The Ministry of Defense of Saudi Arabia officially announced a defensive strategic deployment that elevates military cooperation between the two countries to a new level. It was also reported that a military contingent consisting of some of the most advanced versions of the JF-17 Block III, departing from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, has been deployed to King Abdulaziz Air Base. Furthermore, the aircraft’s avionics and sensors, with their high performance against all types of aerial targets, provide a significant reinforcement in the region. This deployment was carried out in accordance with the provisions of the “Joint Strategic Defense Agreement” signed between the two brotherly nations.
Official Statement from Ambassador Al-Malki
A statement regarding the development was also made by Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Islamabad, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki. In a post shared on his X account, Ambassador Al-Malki stated: “The Ministry of Defense announces that, within the framework of the Joint Strategic Defense Agreement signed between the two brotherly countries, a military force from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Eastern Province. The Pakistani force consists of fighter aircraft and support elements of the Pakistan Air Force, aiming to strengthen joint military coordination, enhance the level of operational readiness between the armed forces of both countries, and support security and stability at regional and international levels.”
Operational Readiness and Strategic Objectives
According to the Saudi Ministry of Defense, the deployed force consists of Pakistan Air Force fighter jets and technical support units. Furthermore, the primary objectives of this deployment were outlined as follows:
- Joint Coordination: Strengthening military coordination between the armed forces of both countries.
- Readiness Level: Enhancing operational readiness and ensuring doctrinal alignment.
- Regional Security: Establishing deterrence to maintain security and stability at both regional and international levels.
First Concrete Step of the Defense Pact
The defense pact signed in Riyadh in September 2025 introduced a “collective defense” framework. Under this framework, an attack on one party is considered an attack on both countries. In this context, the presence of Pakistani air assets in the Eastern Province is regarded as the most concrete indication that the agreement has entered its operational phase.
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Source: C4Defence
