ISLAMABAD: Turkey is actively pursuing membership in the burgeoning defencealliance between Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan, according toinformed sources, potentially creating a powerful trilateral securityframework that could reshape geopolitical dynamics across the Middle East,South Asia and beyond. This development follows the landmark StrategicMutual Defence Agreement signed in September 2025 between Riyadh andIslamabad, which stipulates that any aggression against one partyconstitutes an attack on both, echoing the collective defence principle ofNATO’s Article 5.
The negotiations with Turkey have reached an advanced stage, with a formalagreement considered highly likely in the near future, as reported bypeople familiar with the discussions who requested anonymity. Such a pactwould extend the mutual defence commitment to Ankara, marking a significantevolution from the initial bilateral accord and highlighting convergingstrategic interests among the three nations amid shifting global alliances.
The original Saudi-Pakistan pact, formalised on September 17, 2025, inRiyadh during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit, deepens decades-oldmilitary ties that include training, advisory roles and joint exercises. Itemerged against a backdrop of regional instability, including concerns overreliability of traditional security partners and fallout from conflicts inthe Middle East.
Analysts point to complementary strengths that make this potentialexpansion strategically compelling. Saudi Arabia contributes substantialfinancial resources and economic influence, Pakistan offers nucleardeterrence, advanced ballistic missiles and a large professional militaryforce, while Turkey brings extensive combat experience from operations inSyria, Libya and elsewhere, alongside a rapidly growing indigenous defenceindustry producing drones, armoured vehicles and aerospace systems.
Nihat Ali Ozcan, a defence strategist at the Ankara-based think tank TEPAV,has emphasised these synergies, noting that the alliance would combinefinancial clout, nuclear capability and manpower with proven militaryexpertise and technological innovation. This blend could enhance collectivedeterrence in an era of uncertainty.
The motivations behind Turkey’s interest stem from overlapping concerns inmultiple theatres. Ankara shares converging priorities with Riyadh andIslamabad in South Asia, the Middle East and Africa, where jointinitiatives in counter-terrorism, maritime security and economic corridorsare gaining traction. Moreover, questions surrounding the United States’commitments, particularly under evolving administrations and amid strongmilitary ties with all three countries, have prompted these nations toexplore autonomous mechanisms.
As Washington prioritises its own strategic interests and those of keyallies like Israel, regional powers are adapting by forging newpartnerships to address emerging threats and maintain stability. Theproposed trilateral arrangement reflects this broader trend ofdiversification in security arrangements.
Official responses remain guarded. Turkey’s Defence Ministry has declinedto comment on the reports, while Pakistan’s Information Ministry did notrespond to inquiries. Saudi authorities were unavailable for comment overthe weekend in the kingdom, underscoring the sensitive nature of ongoingdeliberations.
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If realised, this expanded alliance could significantly alter the balanceof power, providing a robust deterrent against external aggression andfostering deeper cooperation in defence production, technology transfer andjoint training. It may also influence broader regional equations, includingrelations with India, Iran and other actors.
The timing aligns with heightened tensions and a perceived decline inunconditional external guarantees, pushing Muslim-majority states towardsgreater self-reliance in defence matters. Observers anticipate that such apact could serve as a model for future alignments in the Islamic world.
This prospective trilateral defence partnership underscores a pivotalmoment in international relations, where traditional alliances are beingsupplemented by regionally driven initiatives aimed at ensuring long-termsecurity and strategic autonomy.
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, NATO
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