ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have achieved another landmark intheir longstanding strategic partnership as the Kingdom agreed to host thespace launch of IDEAS 2026 at the World Defence Show, while pledgingsupport for Pakistan’s defence exports and joint projects. This developmentunderscores the evolving defence cooperation between the two nations,building on the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement signed in September2025, which formalized mutual defence commitments and opened avenues fortechnology transfer and co-production.
The announcement came during ongoing high-level engagements, highlightingRiyadh’s role in promoting Pakistan’s premier defence exhibition, IDEAS,traditionally held in Karachi. The International Defence Exhibition andSeminar (IDEAS) 2026, scheduled for November in Pakistan, will now gaininternational visibility through its launch at Saudi Arabia’s World DefenceShow in Riyadh. This move is expected to attract global participants andfoster greater collaboration in defence technologies.
Defence analysts view this as a natural progression from the 2025 pact,which emphasized joint deterrence, interoperability, and peacetimecooperation. The agreement has already spurred discussions on advancedareas such as cybersecurity, drone systems, and space-based defence,aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of localizing militarycapabilities and diversifying partnerships beyond traditional Westernsuppliers.
Pakistan’s defence exports have gained momentum, with a pipeline reportedlyvalued at billions of dollars, including interest in platforms like theJF-17 Thunder fighter jet. Saudi Arabia’s support is anticipated tofacilitate exports through potential orders, joint ventures, and technologysharing, enhancing Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and industrial base.
Historical ties between the two countries date back decades, rooted inmilitary training, troop deployments, and economic assistance. Saudi Arabiahas long benefited from Pakistani expertise in training its forces, whilePakistan has received substantial financial aid and oil supplies. Therecent initiatives reflect a shift toward institutionalized economic andstrategic interdependence.
The hosting of IDEAS 2026’s launch event in Saudi Arabia signals Riyadh’scommitment to elevating Pakistan’s defence industry profile regionally. Italso promotes joint projects, potentially including co-development ofconventional equipment and emerging technologies, which could boostPakistan’s export capabilities amid growing global demand for affordable,reliable systems.
This collaboration occurs against a backdrop of regional uncertainties,where both nations seek to strengthen self-reliance in security matters.The mutual defence framework provides a foundation for enhancedintelligence sharing and operational coordination, contributing tostability in West Asia and beyond.
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Experts note that such partnerships could lead to increased Saudiinvestment in Pakistan’s defence sector, supporting modernization effortsand creating employment opportunities. For Saudi Arabia, access toPakistan’s proven capabilities offers a reliable alternative in an era ofshifting alliances.
The initiative is poised to deepen bilateral trade in defence goods andservices, with Pakistan aiming to expand its footprint in Gulf markets.This aligns with broader efforts to monetize its defence industry throughexports and joint production, fostering long-term economic benefits.
Observers anticipate that this milestone will pave the way for furtheragreements in related fields, reinforcing the brotherly relations betweenIslamabad and Riyadh. The focus on technology transfer and export supportmarks a pragmatic step toward shared prosperity and security.
Source:https://www.radio.gov.pk/07-02-2026/another-historic-milestone-in-pakistan-saudi-arabia-defence-ties
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