Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye Strengthen Defence Cooperation
Riyadh, September 26, 2026: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have taken significant steps to strengthen military and intelligence cooperation as Riyadh faces escalating attacks from Yemen’s Houthi movement.
The chiefs of staff of the three countries held high-level talks in Riyadh on September 25 to discuss ways to support Saudi Arabia under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. The meeting comes amid growing security concerns following missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi territory and infrastructure.
The three countries reaffirmed their commitment to collective defence and protecting Saudi Arabia’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Officials also discussed the integration of defensive capabilities and closer military and intelligence cooperation.
Makkah Joint Defence Agreement Gains Importance
The latest meeting highlights the growing importance of the defence agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye on August 7, 2026.
Under the agreement, an armed attack against one member is treated as an attack against all three members. The countries have subsequently begun establishing mechanisms to translate the agreement into greater defence coordination.
The agreement’s implementation has become particularly significant as attacks against Saudi Arabia have increased. Saudi authorities have reported interceptions of ballistic missiles launched toward areas including Taif and Yanbu.
Military and Intelligence Cooperation to Deepen
According to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense, the three countries agreed to deepen military and intelligence cooperation while working toward greater integration of defensive capabilities.
The officials also reviewed the current security situation and threats facing the Kingdom. They condemned attacks targeting Makkah as well as civilian and economic infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
The discussions demonstrate that the trilateral agreement is moving beyond a political commitment toward the development of practical defence mechanisms. However, the exact form and scale of any future military assistance have not been publicly detailed.
Türkiye Signals Readiness to Provide Support
Türkiye has previously indicated that it is prepared to help meet Saudi Arabia’s military and technical requirements under the new defence agreement.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Türkiye could assist with military needs, particularly technical requirements, while stressing Ankara’s position regarding the alliance. Reuters reported that Türkiye had expressed readiness to support Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks intensified.
The latest Riyadh meeting provides a new platform for the three countries to coordinate their responses and discuss possible defensive measures.
Pakistan Reaffirms Its Defence Commitment
Pakistan has also reaffirmed its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security under the bilateral and trilateral defence arrangements.
The participation of Pakistan’s military leadership in the Riyadh talks places Islamabad at the centre of discussions about the practical implementation of the Makkah defence framework. The three countries are also working on institutional mechanisms for continued cooperation.
Growing Regional Security Concerns
The talks take place against a wider backdrop of escalating conflict and instability in the Middle East. Recent Houthi attacks have included missiles and drones directed toward Saudi territory, while the group has also claimed attacks against infrastructure in locations including Riyadh and Yanbu. Some of those claims have not been independently verified.
France has separately announced plans to provide defensive support at the strategic Red Sea port of Yanbu, illustrating the wider international concern surrounding the protection of Saudi infrastructure and energy facilities.
What Happens Next?
The latest meeting is likely to be an important step in developing the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement’s operational framework. The three countries have yet to publicly specify the full details of possible deployments, equipment assistance or joint military operations.
For now, the focus remains on collective defence, intelligence sharing, military coordination and strengthening defensive capabilities.
As regional tensions continue, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye are signaling closer strategic coordination while working through the mechanisms established by their new defence partnership.
