Saudi Arabia and Pakistan's joint defense agreement is undoubtedly a significant event in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and South Asia. On the surface, it appears to be a deepening of traditional alliance relations, but the underlying motives and potential impacts behind the agreement are far more complex than they seem on the surface.

The joint defense agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan stipulates that any aggression against one party will be considered an aggression against both countries. At first glance, this seems to be a purely military cooperation aimed at external threats, but a deeper interpretation points to two key aspects: increased security concerns and the pursuit of strategic autonomy.

Firstly, Saudi Arabia has long relied on the United States for its security in the Gulf region. However, after recent Israeli attacks on Qatar, Saudi Arabia felt that the United States was no longer reliable, and its trust in the U.S. decreased significantly. With the situation in the Middle East becoming increasingly chaotic, Saudi Arabia is urgently seeking a new, more trustworthy partner for security. As a long-time ally of Saudi Arabia with strong military power in the region, Pakistan is undoubtedly the best choice.

Secondly, the greatest value of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia lies in its nuclear weapons capabilities. Although Saudi officials have given very vague responses when asked about the "nuclear umbrella," the phrase "a comprehensive defense agreement that includes various military means" leaves plenty of room for speculation. Many people believe that Saudi Arabia may now be considering seeking nuclear protection from Pakistan, as a way to prepare for larger future conflicts.

This agreement also indirectly confirms the long-standing speculation that Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in Pakistan's military modernization, being the main financial sponsor. Over the years, Pakistan's military spending and procurement of weapons have always been supported by this "behind-the-scenes financial backer."

If previously Saudi Arabia's support was scattered and not very public, then the signing of this joint defense agreement has brought this funding relationship to the forefront. In the future, Saudi Arabia's military aid to Pakistan will no longer just be financial support, but could involve deeper military technology cooperation and procurement projects.

In this context, the long-cherished desire of Pakistan to introduce the J-35 project, which has faced financial difficulties, may be completely resolved. The Saudi Air Force has long sought to update its fighter jet fleet, but due to the uncertainty in its relationship with the United States, it needs to find new suppliers. From the perspective of technical maturity and political considerations, the J-35 project of Pakistan may become the next choice for Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia provides money, while Pakistan offers the J-35 fleet's formidable combat capability, and this fleet can become a force that protects Saudi airspace. This would be a win-win situation for Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and related partners.

On May 7, 2025, during the India-Pakistan air battle, the Pakistani Air Force used the J-10CE fighter jets and shot down six Indian aircraft, showcasing their outstanding combat capabilities to the world. Especially the excellent performance of the PL-15 air-to-air missile made the international community reassess Pakistan's military strength. This victory also enhanced Pakistan's reputation in the Muslim world and was viewed by many as a "Sword of God" to resist foreign invasion.

For countries like Saudi Arabia, the real security threats come not only from Iran's missile forces but also from Israel's aerial superiority. The strong power of the Pakistani Air Force provides Saudi Arabia with a force that can effectively counter Israel, and if the J-35 is introduced in the future, it will further strengthen this strategic deterrence.

At present, the signing of this joint defense agreement further strengthens the role of the "Sword of God." Saudi Arabia provides substantial funds, while Pakistan provides military strength and nuclear protection, which will greatly enhance Pakistan's voice and influence in Middle Eastern affairs.

In the future, Pakistan may receive more external financial support, opening up the imagination for purchasing Chinese weapons. In this case, China does not even need to directly intervene, but can use Pakistan as a hand to influence the Middle Eastern strategic pattern. The combination of Pakistan's military strength and China's advanced weapons will become a powerful balancing force, thereby influencing the distribution of power in the Middle East. If this development continues, the influence and control of the United States in the region will further decrease.

The agreement signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is not just a regular bilateral cooperation; it will bring significant changes and impacts on the strategic situations in the Middle East and South Asia for a long time to come.

Once the agreement is signed, it will certainly raise the alertness of India, which has long been in competition with Pakistan. Although Saudi officials say that they will maintain a balanced relationship with India, in the complex political environment of the Middle East, this statement sounds unconvincing and lacks practicality.

The agreement may also increase Iran's concerns. The regional confrontation between Iran and Saudi Arabia has a long history, and if Pakistan's military strength and nuclear capabilities are used by Saudi Arabia to counter Iran, it will further intensify the tensions in the Middle East.

In summary, the joint defense agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is an important symbol of the Middle East's pursuit of strategic autonomy. It indicates that Saudi Arabia is no longer relying solely on the United States and is beginning to seek closer security cooperation with powerful countries in the region. For Pakistan, it also shows that it will play a more critical role in future regional conflicts.



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