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Bogeyman 

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People forget that full-scale wars are also very costly. So, to continue waging wars, you need to keep your economy afloat. While hot money may not provide a long-term guarantee, it can prevent a sudden collapse in the short term. Therefore, for poor countries like ours, the value of Saudi Arabia should not be underestimated.
 

IC3M@N FX

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What Turkey can already offer Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks and months is the sharing of information on Turkey’s Radar and C4ISR capabilities for the early detection of attacks, so that counter-measures can be initiated – this alone makes a huge difference.
The next step would be to supply Saudi Arabia with enough TB2s to enable them to monitor and bomb Houthi-held areas round the clock, which would demoralise the Houthis.
The Houthis have only old Soviet-era Equipment & Iran Equipment, MANPADS, Ballistic Missiles and disposable Kamikaze Drones from Iran. The sheer number of them is the only problem Saudi Arabia is facing, but 50 to 60 TB2 drones equipped with EW/ECM Pods, Smart Bombs, Missiles and Cruise Missiles could exert massive pressure on Houthi territory.
The main aim is to keep them busy and force them onto the back foot so that they can’t launch attacks easily.

In my opinion, that would be the quickest way to help them.
 
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Zafer

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What Turkey can already offer Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks and months is the sharing of information on Turkey’s Radar and C4ISR capabilities for the early detection of attacks, so that counter-measures can be initiated – this alone makes a huge difference.
The next step would be to supply Saudi Arabia with enough TB2s to enable them to monitor and bomb Houthi-held areas round the clock, which would demoralise the Houthis.
The Houthis have only old Soviet-era Equipment & Iran Equipment, MANPADS, Ballistic Missiles and disposable Kamikaze Drones from Iran. The sheer number of them is the only problem Saudi Arabia is facing, but 50 to 60 TB2 drones equipped with EW/ECM Pods, Smart Bombs, Missiles and Cruise Missiles could exert massive pressure on Houthi territory.
The main aim is to keep them busy and force them onto the back foot so that they can’t launch attacks easily.

In my opinion, that would be the quickest way to help them.
We want to defend, we don't want to attack.
 

I_Love_F16

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So what can we deploy on fast track in Saudi Arabia;
  • Kızılelma + various munitions
  • Siper1 & Siper2
  • Hisar family
  • Sungur Manpads
  • Radar systems
  • Anti-drone systems
  • More of defensive systems that we want to push to the field
  • 3000 troops

We don’t even have those systems in enough quantity on our soil, and yet you want to deploy those abroad. What’s next ?
 

Zafer

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We don’t even have those systems in enough quantity on our soil, and yet you want to deploy those abroad. What’s next ?
We want to make the best use of them, until we actaully need them for ourselves. We are already making more and more of them. We have attack capabilities as a deterrant, we don't rely on defence alone. Remember even Greece lends their Patriots to SA. We are in NATO and all, if you want to be reminded. We needed more defence when Syria was a big mess, which is not the case now.
 

Pokemonte13

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We want to make the best use of them, until we actaully need them for ourselves. We are already making more and more of them. We have attack capabilities as a deterrant, we don't rely on defence alone. Remember even Greece lends their Patriots to SA. We are in NATO and all, if you want to be reminded. We needed more defence when Syria was a big mess, which is not the case now.
there is one or two systems in sa and greece doesn't border iran and we have compared to them less air defence.
 

IC3M@N FX

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We want to defend, we don't want to attack.
No one is claiming that we are attacking – we are supplying Saudi Arabia with TB2 Drones and Ammunition, as well as C4ISR data for defence purposes; moreover, the Houthis, as an organisation, are officially stateless; they are, after all, a militia, and therefore a proxy force.
Iran would have to officially admit that the Houthis are officially a branch of the Iranian armed forces, which it does not do officially; moreover, whoever launches an attack has, in any case, forfeited any right to protest if they themselves are attacked.
 

Zafer

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No one is claiming that we are attacking – we are supplying Saudi Arabia with TB2 Drones and Ammunition, as well as C4ISR data for defence purposes; moreover, the Houthis, as an organisation, are officially stateless; they are, after all, a militia, and therefore a proxy force.
Iran would have to officially admit that the Houthis are officially a branch of the Iranian armed forces, which it does not do officially; moreover, whoever launches an attack has, in any case, forfeited any right to protest if they themselves are attacked.
We only want to defend the SA we don't want to cause damage.
 

Zafer

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there is one or two systems in sa and greece doesn't border iran and we have compared to them less air defence.
We don't expect Iran to attack Türkiye just because we defend SA. We have a manufacturing base and we keep increasing numbers. We are making 50 ships for ourselves plus some for exports for example so we can make things, defending ourselves is not an issue at this point, it is only a matter of time we stock enough systems. What we are lacking is ballistic missile defence obviously as we haven't made them yet, but anything we have made we can increase numbers so we don't have enough for ourself rhetoric is lame to say the least.
 

Huelague

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Zafer

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We only want to secure our interests.
You enter an alliance and acting in accordance with the alliance objectives becomes your interest. Your direct interest is fulfilled when other members do their part and help build up your strength, like paying the bill to making weapons or deploying their strong weapons in your defense.
 

Mis_TR_Like

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Apart from Pakistan's nukes and war experience, we have nothing else to gain from this alliance. I'm wary about the Saudi's more than anything else. Saudi money comes along with Saudi influence. Even look at the name of it, Mecca alliance. Put your religion aside for a minute, Saudi's are clearly trying to be the top dog in this

They've been hopeless against Houthis, and they've seen that the US is overstretched, and now they're inviting Pakistan and Türkiye to do their work for them.

I'm all for alliances, we've isolated ourselves for too long. But I don't trust the Saudi's one bit. They've been a hotbed for US intelligence activities for decades, and are the reason why the Muslim world as a whole is in turmoil.

Furthermore, we need to pick and choose who's actually going to be a good ally. Not only do we need to ensure that they don't backstab us or provide intelligence about our activities to our foes; We also need to ensure that anyone we support, whether that's through training or providing our advanced weaponry, actually wins. The Saudi's are freaking hopeless, if we sell them our best equipment and they do an abysmal job with it, that's a major PR loss. Part of warfare is psychological.

When TB2 was sold to Azerbaijan and they used it skillfully, it didn't only lead to a victory, but was a huge PR win globally. Yes, TB2 is now largely ineffective by itself, more suited to picking apart what's left of an army after their air defence is defeated. But we'll be selling Saudi's our best equipment, can we trust them to fight effectively, or will they be an embarrassment?
 

IC3M@N FX

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Nobody is saying that Turkey should naively enter into an alliance and then allow itself to be taken advantage of.
I do understand your concern, but there is simply no time left for hesitation: the US and Israel, together with India, France, Greece and Cyprus, are putting pressure on Arab states to submit to the Abraham Accords, the EastMed Agreement and the IMEC Agreement – which would massively isolate Turkey and divert all energy and trade routes to these countries.
Saudi Arabia has been granted a symbolic role so that there is a degree of legitimacy in the Islamic world for joining this alliance. It is clear to see who is taking charge of the design, planning and leadership of the alliance, namely Turkey (Design, Lead and Network) and Pakistan (nuclear deterrent) Saudi Arabia (Financial).

You can hear what Hakan Fidan is saying: our President wants even more countries to join this alliance, and Egypt is a candidate; there’s no mention whatsoever of Saudi Arabia’s intentions. Can I, or anyone else, guarantee that they won’t turn on us and betray us later? No, nobody can! The aim is to create interdependencies with these countries in the areas of defence, the economy, trade and energy, so that the cost-benefit ratio is so high that betrayal would be absurd.
That is precisely why the Middle Corridor is being built, along with the rail networks and transhipment hubs for goods, which will then lead via Turkey all the way to Europe. These are investments running into the billions, which cannot simply be written off just because one of the alliance members suddenly feels like betraying Turkey. Moreover, there is no trust a priori, but only that which arises through acting as an alliance. Turkey has a highly competent intelligence service – I trust that it also investigates the motives behind the actions of other countries, monitors them and calls them to account, in order to exert pressure on individual members through the alliance, so that they are forced to show their true colours and nobody steps out of line.

A historic event is currently unfolding, and if it succeeds, it will be long-lasting. This would give Turkey even more options than the EU, the BRICS countries and the SCO. That would automatically further enhance the country’s standing as a military and networking power.

70–80 per cent of the European media take a negative view of this alliance because it could bring stability, reforms and prosperity, and could thus gain influence and legitimacy outside European spheres. The concern was not about the stability or instability that this alliance might bring, but rather the question of whether they would still have influence in the Middle East – that bothers them far more.
This shows that, with the formation of the alliance, everything is currently being done correctly.
 
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Zafer

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We don't just sell weapons we can also send personnel to use them, they can even be remotely controlled.
 

Gessler

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May 18, 2026

Pakistan has deployed 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets and an air defence system to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence pact, ramping up military cooperation with ‌Riyadh even as Islamabad serves as the main mediator in the Iran war.

All five sources said the deployment includes around 8,000 troops, with a pledge to send more if needed, as well as a Chinese HQ-9 air defence system.

One of the government sources, who has seen the text of the confidential defence pact, said it provides for the possibility of up to 80,000 Pakistani troops being deployed to Saudi Arabia, to help secure the kingdom's borders alongside Saudi forces.


As soon as the ceasefire was signed in the 40-day war, Pakistan indicated it could potentially deploy 80,000 troops to Saudi Arabia. They have already deployed 1-2 squadrons of JF-17s.

Therefore, it wouldn't be surprising if Türkiye undertook a similar initiative. Yesterday, Hakan Fidan emphasized this precisely. If Saudi Arabia expects support from its partners in the event of an attack, that support will not go unreciprocated. If the same call comes from Türkiye and Pakistan, other countries will provide support.

You cannot create deterrence against your enemies without an agreement that will be implemented like Article 5 of NATO. At its core, this requires believing that the agreement will be activated when you need help; and your enemies must see this belief reflected in defense purchases/technology sharing, the establishment of permanent bases, and military exercises.

If this agreement remains only on paper, as you say, you cannot intimidate anyone (neither Iran nor Israel).

Pakistan deployed a major combat contingent—including up to 13,000 troops, a squadron of JF-17 fighter jets, drone units, and Chinese-made HQ-9 air defense systems—to Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz Air Base. This deployment operates under a bilateral mutual defense agreement signed by the two nations. [1, 2]

Deployment Overview
    • Troop Strength: Roughly 8,000 to 13,000 active military personnel deployed to forward positions in the kingdom's Eastern Province. [1, 2, 3]
    • Air Power & Hardware: Around 16 JF-17 fighter jets, support aircraft, drone squadrons, and HQ-9 air defense units operated entirely by Pakistani personnel. [1, 2]
    • Financing & Context: The mission is funded by Riyadh and shifts Pakistan's historic training and advisory presence into a direct combat-ready defense posture amid regional tensions. [1, 2, 3]
    • The Defense Pact: Stemming from a strategic mutual defense framework, the agreement treats an attack on one nation as an attack on both, with provisions allowing for even larger force deployments if required

I've read about this back when it first appeared in media, but as far as I can gather, all the reports are just regurgitating from a single unnamed source based in Pakistan. There's been no evidence of aircraft/missile deployment. Aircraft are easy enough to spot with satellite imagery of airfields, but there's been some embargoes on imagery of US-allied airfields so there's scope for ambiguity. But a Chinese HQ-9 system going online in an airspace where the US had F-35s/F-22s (maybe even B-2s) flying around without luneberg lenses? I don't see how CENTCOM would've been okay with that.

Smallish ADS like Pantsir/FK-2000 with short-range radars are one thing (easy to map & avoid), but systems like HQ-9 or S-400 with theatre-level radar surveillance (hundreds of kms) create huge OPSEC problems. I'm not sure if that part is believable.

A hypothetical Turkish deployment of aircraft/missiles to KSA would integrate much more smoothly with the US defence networks already sitting there.

As of Pakistani troop deployment, that is certainly possible and likely to have been done. But the thing is, Pakistan has been deploying troops (around ~15,000 or more) to KSA since at least the 1970s. Troop levels have routinely surged during times of war/crises (like the earlier Gulf Wars) and subside afterwards (see link below). So linking troop deployment to the Sep 2025 agreement would be a mischaracterization.


Not to mention, invoking a mutual defence agreement after a ceasefire had already been reached doesn't really make much sense...unless of course, Pakistan had made it clear to KSA beforehand that they will not be getting involved in active hostilities with Iran. So the ceasefire period was the only time it could be invoked.

I think it requires the attacked country to invoke the clause first to be aided. Which Saudi didn't do so far afaik.

If I was Saudi, I wouldn't invoke anything publicly until & unless I've privately received assurances as to what the response is going to be. Otherwise I'd risk looking like a fool (and making the other party look untrustworthy/unreliable). I wouldn't want that.
 

TurkWolf

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Apart from Pakistan's nukes and war experience, we have nothing else to gain from this alliance. I'm wary about the Saudi's more than anything else. Saudi money comes along with Saudi influence. Even look at the name of it, Mecca alliance. Put your religion aside for a minute, Saudi's are clearly trying to be the top dog in this

They've been hopeless against Houthis, and they've seen that the US is overstretched, and now they're inviting Pakistan and Türkiye to do their work for them.

I'm all for alliances, we've isolated ourselves for too long. But I don't trust the Saudi's one bit. They've been a hotbed for US intelligence activities for decades, and are the reason why the Muslim world as a whole is in turmoil.

Furthermore, we need to pick and choose who's actually going to be a good ally. Not only do we need to ensure that they don't backstab us or provide intelligence about our activities to our foes; We also need to ensure that anyone we support, whether that's through training or providing our advanced weaponry, actually wins. The Saudi's are freaking hopeless, if we sell them our best equipment and they do an abysmal job with it, that's a major PR loss. Part of warfare is psychological.

When TB2 was sold to Azerbaijan and they used it skillfully, it didn't only lead to a victory, but was a huge PR win globally. Yes, TB2 is now largely ineffective by itself, more suited to picking apart what's left of an army after their air defence is defeated. But we'll be selling Saudi's our best equipment, can we trust them to fight effectively, or will they be an embarrassment?
People forget that being isolated is exactly what forced us to become strong in the first place. When you don’t have anyone to rely on, you’re pushed to innovate, build your own industry, and stand on your own feet. That’s how Türkiye ended up with a defence sector that actually works. Compare that to the Saudis ...they spent decades assuming the US would always protect them, and now they’re scrambling to form alliances with their own “regional rivals” because that dependency collapsed.

So what exactly are we supposed to gain here? Saudi Arabia brings nothing to the table except money, and if money alone was enough to guarantee survival, then bigger powers would be lining up to save them. But they’re not. Because the livelihood and security of your own population matters more than flashy cars, megaprojects, and material excess.

My only real concern is technological transfer. I don’t want any of our hard-earned capabilities handed over just because we joined some alliance. We don’t even have an immediate threat to justify this. And we definitely didn’t need to sign up to this thing just to sell products ..we were already doing that without anyone’s permission.

Anyway, it’s done now. But let’s not pretend this alliance suddenly elevates us. We became strong because we stood alone, not because someone bailed us out.
 

Zafer

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We stood alone for a long time and we were miserable until the true reason we became stronger kicked in, a strong will to be strong and the policies to back it up.
 

Passenger

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I've read about this back when it first appeared in media, but as far as I can gather, all the reports are just regurgitating from a single unnamed source based in Pakistan. There's been no evidence of aircraft/missile deployment. Aircraft are easy enough to spot with satellite imagery of airfields, but there's been some embargoes on imagery of US-allied airfields so there's scope for ambiguity. But a Chinese HQ-9 system going online in an airspace where the US had F-35s/F-22s (maybe even B-2s) flying around without luneberg lenses? I don't see how CENTCOM would've been okay with that.

Smallish ADS like Pantsir/FK-2000 with short-range radars are one thing (easy to map & avoid), but systems like HQ-9 or S-400 with theatre-level radar surveillance (hundreds of kms) create huge OPSEC problems. I'm not sure if that part is believable.

A hypothetical Turkish deployment of aircraft/missiles to KSA would integrate much more smoothly with the US defence networks already sitting there.

As of Pakistani troop deployment, that is certainly possible and likely to have been done. But the thing is, Pakistan has been deploying troops (around ~15,000 or more) to KSA since at least the 1970s. Troop levels have routinely surged during times of war/crises (like the earlier Gulf Wars) and subside afterwards (see link below). So linking troop deployment to the Sep 2025 agreement would be a mischaracterization.


Not to mention, invoking a mutual defence agreement after a ceasefire had already been reached doesn't really make much sense...unless of course, Pakistan had made it clear to KSA beforehand that they will not be getting involved in active hostilities with Iran. So the ceasefire period was the only time it could be invoked.



If I was Saudi, I wouldn't invoke anything publicly until & unless I've privately received assurances as to what the response is going to be. Otherwise I'd risk looking like a fool (and making the other party look untrustworthy/unreliable). I wouldn't want that.
There is S-400 in India also, so you mean eachtime F-35s/F-22s arrived to India always with the luneberg lenses.
Of course, I'm also quite skeptical about whether deployment of the HQ-9 in Saudi Arabia would be allowed — apparently they still have PAC missiles in stock.
 

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