Turkey’s Defence Talks with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Signal Emerging Regional Security Alignment
Ankara’s potential accession to a Saudi–Pakistan defence pact reflects shifting strategic dynamics across the Middle East, South Asia and beyond
Turkey is engaged in advanced discussions with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan over joining a mutual defence framework originally signed between Riyadh and Islamabad in September 2025, marking a notable development in regional security cooperation.
The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement commits both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to regard any aggression against one as an attack on both, but Ankara’s interest in accession suggests a broader alignment of defence interests among three influential Muslim-majority states.
Bloomberg reported that talks are at an advanced stage and that participation by Turkey is “very likely,” though no formal agreement has yet been concluded.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed that discussions have taken place with Saudi and Pakistani counterparts, but emphasised that no treaty has been signed to date.
He reiterated Ankara’s vision of building a wider security platform rooted in regional trust and long-term cooperation rather than hastily concluded deals.
Pakistan’s Defence Production Minister Raza Hayat Harraj, for his part, said a draft trilateral defence agreement exists and that all three countries are deliberating its final form, although consensus is required before a deal can be formalised.
Analysts interpret Turkey’s overtures as part of a strategic recalibration in response to evolving geopolitical pressures and shared security concerns.
Ankara, Riyadh and Islamabad each bring distinct capabilities to the potential alliance: Saudi Arabia’s financial resources, Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent and manpower, and Turkey’s substantial military experience and growing defence industry.
This convergence comes amid questions about the reliability of traditional security partners and an increasing focus on regional mechanisms to address threats and deterrence.
The discussions also reflect broader trends in which regional powers seek to diversify their strategic partnerships and lessen reliance on external blocs.
Turkey’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (the second-largest army in the alliance after the United States) and its existing bilateral defence cooperation with both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia — including joint naval meetings and defence production links — provide a foundation for deeper collaboration.
Should the tripartite pact be finalised, it could signal a significant shift in the regional security architecture, underscoring a move toward multipolar collaboration that intersects the Middle East, South Asia and potentially Africa.
The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement commits both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to regard any aggression against one as an attack on both, but Ankara’s interest in accession suggests a broader alignment of defence interests among three influential Muslim-majority states.
Bloomberg reported that talks are at an advanced stage and that participation by Turkey is “very likely,” though no formal agreement has yet been concluded.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed that discussions have taken place with Saudi and Pakistani counterparts, but emphasised that no treaty has been signed to date.
He reiterated Ankara’s vision of building a wider security platform rooted in regional trust and long-term cooperation rather than hastily concluded deals.
Pakistan’s Defence Production Minister Raza Hayat Harraj, for his part, said a draft trilateral defence agreement exists and that all three countries are deliberating its final form, although consensus is required before a deal can be formalised.
Analysts interpret Turkey’s overtures as part of a strategic recalibration in response to evolving geopolitical pressures and shared security concerns.
Ankara, Riyadh and Islamabad each bring distinct capabilities to the potential alliance: Saudi Arabia’s financial resources, Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent and manpower, and Turkey’s substantial military experience and growing defence industry.
This convergence comes amid questions about the reliability of traditional security partners and an increasing focus on regional mechanisms to address threats and deterrence.
The discussions also reflect broader trends in which regional powers seek to diversify their strategic partnerships and lessen reliance on external blocs.
Turkey’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (the second-largest army in the alliance after the United States) and its existing bilateral defence cooperation with both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia — including joint naval meetings and defence production links — provide a foundation for deeper collaboration.
Should the tripartite pact be finalised, it could signal a significant shift in the regional security architecture, underscoring a move toward multipolar collaboration that intersects the Middle East, South Asia and potentially Africa.
