Saudi-Turkiye-Pakistan Form Major Defence Pact

Core News & Key Facts

Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan have created a new defence partnership that brings together major military, financial and strategic capabilities from across the Muslim world. The leaders of the three countries signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement on August 7, pledging to strengthen collective deterrence and declaring that an armed attack against one member would be treated as an attack against all three.

According to the 2026 Global Firepower Index, the three countries together have nearly 1.4 million active military personnel, 3,415 military aircraft, 6,046 tanks and 344 naval assets. Pakistan contributes the largest active force at 660,000 personnel, followed by Turkiye with 481,000 and Saudi Arabia with 247,000. Their combined defence budgets are estimated at $124.4 billion for 2026.

Context & Statements

The pact comes amid heightened regional tensions, including concerns over Israel's expanding military reach and Iran's regional influence. The three countries also bring different strengths to the partnership. Saudi Arabia contributes financial resources, strategic geography, infrastructure and political influence. Turkiye offers a large defence-industrial base, drones, missiles, sensors, electronic warfare capabilities and NATO-derived military expertise. Pakistan brings a large professional military, operational experience, defence production and nuclear capability.

Pakistan is one of nine nuclear-armed states and conducted its first nuclear tests in 1998. Turkiye, which joined NATO in 1952, does not possess nuclear weapons but hosts US nuclear warheads under NATO nuclear-sharing arrangements. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has the largest defence budget among the three at $63.9 billion, compared with $51.4 billion for Turkiye and $9.1 billion for Pakistan.

Impact & What's Next

For Saudi Arabia, the agreement offers another layer of defence cooperation beyond its longstanding relationship with the United States, particularly as Riyadh faces concerns around strategic waterways including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb. For Turkiye and Pakistan, closer ties with Saudi Arabia could provide access to greater financial opportunities for their defence industries.

The agreement also raises questions about the future role of the United States in regional security. Analysts say Washington remains important for intelligence, advanced missile defence and high-end military technology, but regional powers are increasingly seeking stronger horizontal security links with one another.

Egypt has emerged as the only country publicly identified by a signatory as a possible future member. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described Egypt as a “natural partner” and said Cairo could join after technical issues are resolved. Analysts, however, say Egypt may seek assurances that membership would not undermine its existing alliances, peace treaties or relationship with Washington.