Pakistan Moves Air Defense Systems, Troops To Saudi Arabia As Middle East Crisis Deepens | Exclusive

Last Updated:March 03, 2026, 11:41 IST

Pakistani Air Defence Corps units have positioned LY-80, FM-90 & Anza-series medium and short-range missiles under Pakistani command to bolster Saudi Arabia’s air defence network

In a major security development amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Pakistan has pledged full military support to Saudi Arabia under the Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, according to senior security sources in both countries.

Exclusive inputs accessed by CNN-News18 reveal that Pakistan has already deployed advanced air defence systems, troops, and military personnel to Saudi Arabia to strengthen the kingdom’s defence posture. Pakistani Air Defence Corps units have positioned LY-80, FM-90, and Anza-series medium and short-range missiles under Pakistani command to bolster Saudi Arabia’s air defence network.

Top Saudi security sources confirmed that Pakistani army, air force, and naval personnel are operating in close coordination with Saudi forces. Oversight of these deployments is being carried out under the supervision of former Pakistani Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, who also commands the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition comprising 43 nations.

According to Pakistani sources, two Pakistan Air Force IL-78MP air tanker and cargo-capable aircraft, registrations R11-003 and R09-001, were moved from Nur Khan Air Base to Karachi on March 1. These aircraft are believed to be transporting reinforcements, including troops, air defence systems, missiles, and other strategic equipment to Saudi Arabia. Analysts suggest this may also enable forward deployment to support air patrols over the Arabian Sea and could involve JF-17 Thunder fighter jets under the strategic mutual defence framework.

Ahead of the movement, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman on February 28, reaffirming Pakistan’s support. “Pakistan stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and our brotherly Gulf countries in this perilous time. We remain ready to play a constructive role for peace and pray that the blessings of Ramadan bring calm and stability to our region," the prime minister said.

Sources say the deployment underscores Islamabad’s commitment to Gulf security and highlights the strategic cooperation between the two nations as regional tensions escalate due to ongoing Middle East hostilities.

The deployment of Pakistan’s air defence systems and military personnel to Saudi Arabia is being closely monitored internationally, given its potential implications for regional stability and the broader security dynamics surrounding the Iran-Israel conflict.

News world Pakistan Moves Air Defense Systems, Troops To Saudi Arabia As Middle East Crisis Deepens | Exclusive

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