Turkey Moves Toward Joining Saudi–Pakistan Defence Pact, Potentially Forming ‘Muslim NATO’-Style Bloc
Ankara is in advanced talks to accede to a mutual defence agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan that commits members to collective security, reshaping regional alignments
Turkey is engaged in advanced negotiations to join a mutual defence agreement originally signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in September 2025, a development that could transform security dynamics across the Middle East, South Asia and beyond.
The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Riyadh and Islamabad frames any aggression against one signatory as an act against both, mirroring the collective defence principle of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
People familiar with the discussions say an expanded trilateral framework appears increasingly likely, with Ankara, Islamabad and Riyadh exploring modalities for Turkey’s accession as shared strategic interests converge across multiple theatres.
Under the emerging arrangement, Saudi Arabia would contribute significant financial resources, Pakistan its nuclear deterrent, missiles and manpower, and Turkey its extensive military capabilities, operational experience and a growing defence industrial base.
The pact’s potential expansion reflects shifting regional security calculus amid broader geopolitical questions about external security guarantees and evolving threat perceptions.
Turkish officials have not publicly confirmed the negotiations, and Saudi and Pakistani authorities have yet to issue official statements, but the discussions underscore the willingness of the three predominantly Muslim states to deepen defence cooperation.
Ankara’s interest in formalising its role in the pact comes against a backdrop of closer military cooperation with both partners.
Turkey and Pakistan already cooperate on naval construction, air force upgrades and unmanned systems, while Turkey and Saudi Arabia have held high-level defence engagements and share concerns over regional security challenges.
Observers note that should Turkey formally join the defence framework, it would signal a notable shift in regional security architecture, potentially offering an alternative collective defence mechanism alongside existing alliances and reflecting strategic realignment among key players.
The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Riyadh and Islamabad frames any aggression against one signatory as an act against both, mirroring the collective defence principle of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
People familiar with the discussions say an expanded trilateral framework appears increasingly likely, with Ankara, Islamabad and Riyadh exploring modalities for Turkey’s accession as shared strategic interests converge across multiple theatres.
Under the emerging arrangement, Saudi Arabia would contribute significant financial resources, Pakistan its nuclear deterrent, missiles and manpower, and Turkey its extensive military capabilities, operational experience and a growing defence industrial base.
The pact’s potential expansion reflects shifting regional security calculus amid broader geopolitical questions about external security guarantees and evolving threat perceptions.
Turkish officials have not publicly confirmed the negotiations, and Saudi and Pakistani authorities have yet to issue official statements, but the discussions underscore the willingness of the three predominantly Muslim states to deepen defence cooperation.
Ankara’s interest in formalising its role in the pact comes against a backdrop of closer military cooperation with both partners.
Turkey and Pakistan already cooperate on naval construction, air force upgrades and unmanned systems, while Turkey and Saudi Arabia have held high-level defence engagements and share concerns over regional security challenges.
Observers note that should Turkey formally join the defence framework, it would signal a notable shift in regional security architecture, potentially offering an alternative collective defence mechanism alongside existing alliances and reflecting strategic realignment among key players.
