ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Saudi Arabia and Turkiye have finalised a drafttrilateral defence agreement following nearly a year of intensivenegotiations raising prospects of a significant new security framework in aregion marked by escalating tensions over the past two years. DefenceProduction Minister Raza Hayat Harraj confirmed the development in aninterview with Reuters emphasizing that the draft is now under activedeliberation by all three parties. This potential alliance comes againstthe backdrop of shifting global dynamics where regional powers seek greaterautonomy in defence matters. While no final signing has occurred theexistence of a shared draft document after ten months of talks underscoresthe seriousness of intent among Islamabad Riyadh and Ankara to forge deepercooperation.
The announcement follows closely on reports from Bloomberg last week whichindicated that Turkiye was at an advanced stage in discussions to join theexisting Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Pakistan and SaudiArabia signed in September 2025. That bilateral pact notably includes acollective defence clause whereby aggression against one party is treatedas an attack on both mirroring the principles of NATO’s Article 5. Harrajhowever clarified that the emerging trilateral draft remains distinct fromthe earlier Saudi-Pakistani accord highlighting a separate track ofnegotiations aimed at broader collaboration. This distinction addressespotential concerns over overlapping commitments while opening avenues forexpanded strategic coordination among the three nations.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed the matter during a pressconference in Istanbul on Thursday acknowledging that talks have indeedtaken place but stressing that no agreement has been signed yet. Fidanunderscored the necessity for enhanced regional trust and cooperation toprevent instability arising from external influences terrorism and mutualdistrust. He advocated for an inclusive platform encompassing widerparticipation to foster stability emphasizing President Tayyip Erdogan’svision for collective security mechanisms. Although Fidan avoided directreferences to Pakistan or Saudi Arabia his comments aligned with thebroader push toward multilateral arrangements in response to perceiveduncertainties in traditional alliances.
The proposed trilateral framework draws strength from the complementarycapabilities of the three countries. Saudi Arabia contributes substantialfinancial resources Pakistan offers nuclear capability ballistic missilesand significant manpower while Turkiye brings extensive military experienceand a robust domestic defence industry. Analysts have noted that such acombination could create a formidable deterrent particularly in addressingshared concerns including rivalries with Iran border tensions and the needfor independent security guarantees. This synergy is seen as a strategicresponse to evolving geopolitical realities where reliance on externalpowers has diminished.
Pakistan and Turkiye already maintain decades-long defence ties that havedeepened considerably in recent years. Ankara has been instrumental inconstructing MILGEM-based corvette warships for the Pakistan Navy includingvessels like PNS Babur and PNS Khaiber while also overseeing mid-lifeupgrades for numerous Pakistan Air Force F-16 fighter jets. FurthermoreTurkiye has shared advanced drone technology with Islamabad contributingsignificantly to Pakistan’s capabilities. These collaborations wereparticularly evident in the context of the May 2025 conflict with Indiawhere strengthened defence partnerships including Turkish supportreportedly played a key role in Pakistan’s military performance.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently highlighted Pakistan’s ongoingengagements with multiple countries on defence matters including potentialexports of its indigenous fighter jets such as the JF-17 Thunder. Thesediscussions reflect Islamabad’s broader strategy to diversify alliancesenhance self-reliance in defence production and secure strategic depth amidcomplex regional challenges. The trilateral initiative with Saudi Arabiaand Turkiye fits into this pattern positioning Pakistan as a pivotal playerin emerging Muslim-majority security architectures.
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While the draft agreement represents a major step forward final consensusamong the three governments remains essential before any formal signing.The process has unfolded over ten months with documents now circulatingamong the respective capitals for review and refinement. Observersanticipate that successful conclusion could mark a turning point inregional security fostering greater stability through mutual assurances andjoint initiatives. Until then the deliberations continue underscoring thecautious yet determined approach adopted by all parties.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1967120/pakistan-saudi-turkiye-defence-deal-in-pipeline-defence-production-minister-confirms
Raza Hayat Harraj
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