Israel-Iran conflict: Why are Pak govt and Munir deploying air defence systems and troops to Saudi Arabia?

Pakistan reinforces Saudi Arabia amid regional tensions

Amid mounting tensions in the Middle East, Pakistan has committed full military backing to Saudi Arabia under the Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, senior security sources in both countries have said.

According to exclusive information accessed by CNN-News18, Islamabad has already dispatched advanced air defence systems, troops and military personnel to reinforce the kingdom’s security framework. Units from Pakistan’s Air Defence Corps have deployed LY-80, FM-90 and Anza-series medium- and short-range missile systems, which remain under Pakistani command while integrating with Saudi Arabia’s wider air defence grid.

Senior Saudi security officials confirmed that personnel from the Pakistani army, air force and navy are operating in close coordination with Saudi forces. Oversight of the deployment is being conducted under former Pakistani Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, who currently heads the 43-nation Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition.

Pakistani sources further disclosed that two Pakistan Air Force IL-78MP air tanker and cargo aircraft — registrations R11-003 and R09-001 — were relocated from Nur Khan Air Base to Karachi on March 1. The aircraft are believed to be ferrying reinforcements, including troops, missile systems and other strategic equipment, onward to Saudi Arabia. Analysts say the move could facilitate forward positioning to support aerial patrols over the Arabian Sea and may potentially involve JF-17 Thunder fighter jets under the mutual defence framework.

Prior to the deployment, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman on February 28, reiterating Islamabad’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 indicate that the latest deployment signals Islamabad’s firm commitment to Gulf security and underscores the depth of strategic coordination between the two countries as regional instability intensifies.

The movement of Pakistan’s air defence assets and personnel to Saudi Arabia is being closely watched internationally, given its possible ramifications for regional stability and the broader security landscape shaped by the ongoing Iran-Israel confrontation.