Pakistan has sent 8,000 military personnel, a squadron of fighter jets, and an air defense system to Saudi Arabia. This was reported by Reuters, citing government sources.
It was stated that Islamabad has mobilized large combat forces to support the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces in the event of new attacks.
According to Reuters' interlocutors, the mutual defense treaty between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia obliges the parties to assist each other in the event of an attack. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif had previously said that this agreement places Saudi Arabia under Pakistan's "nuclear umbrella."
According to sources, Pakistan sent a full squadron of about 16 aircraft to Saudi Arabia in early April. They consist mainly of JF-17 fighter jets, co-produced with China. In addition, two drone squadrons were also sent.
Furthermore, China's HQ-9 air defense system has been delivered to Saudi Arabia. All equipment is serviced by Pakistani military personnel, and the costs are covered by the Saudi side.
It is noted that the Pakistani military personnel sent to Saudi Arabia primarily perform advisory and training duties. According to one source, under the joint agreement, up to 80,000 Pakistani military personnel and naval vessels could be deployed in the country.
Earlier, the Financial Times reported that Saudi Arabia proposed a non-aggression pact between Middle Eastern states and Iran. According to the publication, the Helsinki Accords, which eased tensions in Europe during the Cold War, are being considered as a model for this.
