ISLAMABAD: Turkiye is reportedly seeking to join the mutual defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, potentially creating a new trilateral security alignment, Bloomberg reported on Saturday.

The US-based news agency cited unnamed sources familiar with the matter, saying the talks are at an advanced stage and “a deal is very likely.”

According to Bloomberg, Turkiye views joining the pact as a way to strengthen security and deterrence amid questions about the United States' reliability and changing regional dynamics. The report noted that Turkiye’s interests increasingly overlap with those of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

The story also referenced comments from Nihat Ali Ozcan, a strategist at Ankara-based think tank TEPAV, who highlighted the combined strengths of the three countries.

“Riyadh brings financial clout, Islamabad its nuclear capability and manpower, while Turkiye contributes military experience and a developed defense industry,” Ozcan told Bloomberg.

The report added that the expanded alliance could shift regional and global security calculations, particularly as countries seek new mechanisms to identify friends and foes in a changing geopolitical environment.

Bloomberg further noted that Turkiye has already been deepening defense ties with both countries, including constructing corvette warships for the Pakistan Navy, upgrading the Pakistan Air Force’s F-16s, and sharing drone technology.

The outlet added that Turkiye now aims to involve Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in its Kaan fifth-generation fighter jet program.

Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defense pact

The Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement was signed in Riyadh in September 2025 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Under the pact, any attack on either nation would be treated as an act of aggression against both. The agreement is part of a broader effort to strengthen military and strategic cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh, which also includes economic assistance and energy support.

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Turkiye joining Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defense pact: Report