Türkiye is reportedly pushing to join a mutual defence agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, a move that could reshape security dynamics across the Middle East and South Asia, according to Bloomberg.
Sources familiar with the talks said Türkiye’s request to join the pact is at an advanced stage. Analysts suggest a deal is very likely. The agreement states that any aggression against one member will be treated as an attack on all, similar to NATO’s Article 5, of which Türkiye is already a member.
Background of the Saudi–Pakistan Pact
The original pact was signed in Riyadh last September by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It formalised long-standing security, economic, and religious ties between the two countries. The deal elevated their cooperation to a formal strategic mutual defence framework.
Saudi Arabia contributes financial power and political influence, while Pakistan brings nuclear capability, ballistic missiles, and large manpower. Türkiye would add modern defence manufacturing, combat experience, and NATO’s second-largest standing army.
Türkiye’s Strategic Interests
Bloomberg reports that Türkiye sees overlapping interests with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Ankara also considers the pact a way to strengthen deterrence amid concerns about US reliability and NATO cohesion.
Türkiye already maintains strong defence ties with Pakistan. This includes building corvette warships and upgrading F-16 fighter jets. Ankara also shares drone technology with both Islamabad and Riyadh. Reports indicate Türkiye wants Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to join its Kaan fifth-generation fighter jet programme, signaling ambitions for high-end joint defence production.
Regional Implications
Saudi–Turkish relations were previously strained over Libya, Egypt, and the Arab Spring. However, both countries have recently aligned strategically in Syria, Sudan, and regional diplomacy. Analysts say Türkiye’s inclusion would mark a new era of cooperation among three influential military powers in the Muslim world.
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The talks come after heightened tensions in South Asia. Pakistan recently ended a four-day military clash with India and faces ongoing challenges with Afghanistan. Türkiye’s involvement could enhance the trilateral bloc’s deterrence and regional influence.
