Post by : Meena Ariff

Turkey is in discussions to join a Saudi Arabia-Pakistan security alliance that resembles NATO’s collective defense system. This emerging pact includes a clause similar to NATO’s Article 5, where an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

Originally an agreement between Riyadh and Islamabad, the pact has advanced significantly with Turkey’s involvement. Saudi Arabia is expected to provide financial support, Pakistan will offer its nuclear deterrent, missile capabilities, and personnel, while Turkey will contribute military expertise and its domestic defense industry, according to a strategist from a think tank in Ankara.

With the US focusing more on its own and Israel’s interests in the region, countries like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are forming new alliances to clearly define allies and rivals.

Experts say Turkey’s growing strategic interests in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa align well with those of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, making this expanded alliance a natural progression.

Recently, the three countries began closer cooperation, holding their first joint naval meeting in Ankara.

Turkey’s participation adds significant weight since it is a key NATO member with the second-largest military in the alliance after the United States.

Saudi Arabia and Turkey share concerns about Shiite-majority Iran but prefer engagement over confrontation. Both also support a Sunni-led stable Syria and Palestinian statehood.

Turkey and Pakistan already have strong defense ties, including building warships for Pakistan’s navy, upgrading Pakistan’s F-16 jets, and sharing drone technology with both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Turkey has also invited both nations to join its fifth-generation fighter jet project.

These trilateral defense talks come after a recent ceasefire ended a short military conflict between India and Pakistan, during which Turkey visibly supported Pakistan.