Turkey Seeks to Join Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Defense Alliance, Claims Bloomberg

**Ankara (Daily Qudrat):** Turkey is seeking to join a new defense alliance formed between Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan, a move that could significantly alter the balance of power in the Middle East and beyond, Bloomberg has reported, citing people familiar with the matter. According to the sources, discussions have advanced considerably, and there is a strong possibility that an agreement could be finalized.

Bloomberg reported that the defense pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan was concluded in September last year. Under the agreement, an attack on one country would be considered an attack on both— a provision similar to NATO’s Article 5. Turkey, a NATO member, possesses the alliance’s second-largest military after the United States.

Sources said Turkey views the alliance as strategically important as its interests in South Asia, the Middle East, and even Africa are increasingly aligning with those of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Ankara also sees the bloc as a potential alternative security framework that would reduce reliance on the United States, particularly at a time when questions are being raised about President Donald Trump’s stance toward NATO.

Defense analyst Nihat Ali Özcan of Turkish think tank TEPAV said the proposed alliance would combine Saudi Arabia’s financial strength, Pakistan’s nuclear capability, ballistic missiles, and manpower, and Turkey’s combat experience and rapidly growing defense industry. He noted that shifting US priorities in the region—especially its focus on Israel—have pushed other countries to consider new defense blocs to redefine allies and adversaries.

If Turkey formally joins the alliance, it would mark a new phase in relations with Saudi Arabia. The two countries, once rivals for leadership in the Sunni Muslim world, are now setting aside differences to expand defense and economic cooperation. In this context, the first-ever naval talks between Turkey and Saudi Arabia have also taken place in Ankara.

Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan share concerns regarding Iran but prefer diplomatic engagement over open confrontation. The three countries also support the establishment of a stable Sunni leadership in Syria and the creation of a Palestinian state.

Military ties between Turkey and Pakistan are already strong. Turkey is building warships for Pakistan, has upgraded Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets, and is sharing drone technology. Reports suggest that Ankara now wants Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to join its KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet program.

The trilateral defense consultations have emerged at a time when a ceasefire followed a four-day military escalation between Pakistan and India in May. Tensions also persist between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Islamabad accusing the Taliban of harboring militant groups. Turkey and Qatar attempted mediation, but talks failed to yield results.