Saudi Arabia seeks deeper defence cooperation with Pakistan

January 08, 2026 (MLN): Saudi Arabia’s senior defence leadership has shown keen interest in expanding joint training programmes and operational coordination with Pakistan, with a particular focus on Multi Domain Operations.

The interest was expressed during the official visit of Pakistan Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, to the Kingdom.

The interest was conveyed in separate meetings held between the Air Chief and the Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force, Lieutenant General Turki bin Bander bin Abdulaziz, as well as the Chief of the General Staff of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, General Fayiadh bin Hameed Al-Rowaily.

The discussions centred on strengthening bilateral defence ties, assessing the evolving regional security landscape, and identifying new areas for future military collaboration.

Upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu was received with full military honours, including a Guard of Honour presented by a contingent of the Royal Saudi Air Force, showing the importance both sides attach to the visit.

During the engagements, both countries expressed satisfaction with the current level of defence cooperation and agreed to further deepen their partnership through enhanced joint training, closer operational coordination, and the exchange of professional expertise, according to Radio Pakistan.

The Pakistan Saudi Arabia Defence Agreement was highlighted as a cornerstone of mutual confidence and long-standing brotherly relations.

The Air Chief emphasised the deep-rooted historical and fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, reaffirming Pakistan Air Force’s commitment to expanding military-to-military cooperation through bilateral and multilateral exercises.

He also outlined the ongoing transformation of the Pakistan Air Force into a comprehensive Multi Domain Force, integrating space, cyber, electronic warfare and artificial intelligence capabilities, which have been showed in its operational effectiveness.

Saudi defence lauded the Pakistan Air Force for its professionalism, high operational standards and combat preparedness.

They also acknowledged Pakistan’s positive and stabilising role in fostering regional peace and security.

The visit emphasized the strength of the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the shared resolve of both nations to further advance cooperation across defence and aviation domains in line with evolving security challenges.

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