ISLAMABAD: Turkey is actively pursuing membership in the recentlyestablished defense pact between Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan,according to sources familiar with the discussions. This development, ifrealised, could forge a powerful new security bloc comprising three majorMuslim nations, potentially altering the geopolitical landscape in theMiddle East and South Asia. The original agreement, signed in September2025, includes a clause stating that any aggression against one party isconsidered an attack on both, echoing NATO’s collective defense principle,Bloomberg has reported.
The talks between Ankara and the Riyadh-Islamabad axis are reportedly at anadvanced stage, with insiders indicating a high likelihood of Turkey’sinclusion. This move comes amid evolving regional threats, includingongoing tensions with Iran and uncertainties surrounding traditionalWestern alliances. Turkey, as NATO’s second-largest military power afterthe United States, brings significant conventional forces, advanced defenseindustries, and strategic positioning to the table.
Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, estimated at around 170 warheads accordingto open-source intelligence, add a unique deterrent element to thealliance. Saudi Arabia, with its vast financial resources and oil wealth,has long maintained close security ties with Pakistan, including historicaldeployments of Pakistani troops and training programs that have involvedthousands of Saudi personnel over decades.
The September 2025 Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabiaand Pakistan formalised decades of informal cooperation. Signed duringPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh, it was seen by analysts asa response to perceived gaps in US security guarantees for Gulf states,particularly following regional escalations involving Israeli actions andIranian proxies.
Turkey’s interest in joining stems from its own strategic recalibrations.Relations between Ankara and Riyadh have warmed considerably since the 2022reconciliation, leading to collaborations in drone production and otherdefense sectors. Pakistan and Turkey already enjoy robust military ties,including joint exercises and co-production of defense equipment.
A trilateral alliance would combine Turkey’s NATO-honed military expertise,Saudi Arabia’s economic leverage, and Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent. Expertssuggest this could enhance collective deterrence against common threats,while also signalling greater independence from Western-led securityframeworks in an increasingly multipolar world.
Regional observers note potential implications for neighbouring powers.Iran may view the emerging bloc as a counterbalance to its influence, whileIndia, with its own nuclear arsenal and close ties to Israel, couldperceive shifts in South Asian security dynamics. The pact’s expansionmight also influence ongoing conflicts in Yemen and Syria.
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Sources indicate that negotiations remain discreet to avoid prematurecomplications, particularly given Turkey’s NATO obligations. However, theanonymity of informants underscores the sensitivity of the matter, asformal announcements are awaited from the capitals involved.
This potential realignment reflects broader trends in global security,where middle powers seek diversified partnerships amid fluctuatinggreat-power commitments. The combination of financial might, technologicalprowess, and nuclear capabilities could indeed reshape power balancesacross multiple regions.
As discussions progress, the international community watches closely forofficial confirmations and further details on the scope of cooperation,including joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and technology transfers.
Source:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-09/turkey-said-to-seek-membership-of-saudi-pakistan-defense-pact
Tags: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Strategic Mutual Defence Agreementogimageimage-name
