Turkey Plans to Join Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Military Alliance

Turkey plans to join a defense alliance formed by Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan, according to a report by people with knowledge of the matter. Regional balances may be impacted by the new security alignment that results from this.

Similar to NATO’s Article 5, the agreement, which was first signed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in September, views “any aggression” against one member as an attack on all.

The individuals who spoke on condition of anonymity said that negotiations over Turkey’s involvement are advanced and an agreement is thought imminent.

According to the sources, Turkey’s objectives in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa increasingly coincide with those of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

In light of concerns about American dependability and President Donald Trump’s dedication to NATO, of which Turkey is a member, Ankara sees the agreement as a means of enhancing security and deterrence.

Nihat Ali Ozcan, a strategist at the Ankara-based think tank TEPAV, claims that Turkey would give military expertise and a sophisticated defense sector, while Saudi Arabia would add financial resources, and Pakistan would add its nuclear capability, ballistic missiles, and troops.

Ozcan reported governments are looking for new ways to define security cooperation as a result of changing regional dynamics.

The Ministry of Defense in Turkey declined to comment. Saudi authorities were not immediately available, and Pakistan’s Information Ministry did not reply to a request for comment.

After years of tense relations, Turkey’s decision to join the alliance would highlight a new stage in their relationship as they increase their defense and economic cooperation.

According to the Turkish Defense Ministry, they convened their first-ever naval meeting in Ankara this week.

Along with supporting Palestinian statehood and a stable Sunni-led state in Syria, the two also have similar concerns about Iran but urge interaction.

Pakistan and Turkey have a long history of military cooperation. Ankara has modernized dozens of F-16s, is producing corvette vessels for Pakistan’s navy, and exchanges drone technology with both nations.

Based on previous reports, Turkey also wants Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to join its Kaan fifth-generation fighter jet development.

The trilateral negotiations take place in the midst of current tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan following clashes connected to allegations over militant groups, and they follow a cease-fire between Pakistan and India in May that put an end to a four-day military conflict.

In the past, negotiations between Turkey and Qatar were mediated but failed to reach a consensus.