The "JF-17 Thunder" fighter's shining moment! $5 billion secured, Pakistan Air Force deploys to the Persian Gulf, immediately assisting Saudi Arabia’s defense!
On April 11, the Saudi Ministry of Defense issued a statement announcing that a military contingent from Pakistan has arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base in eastern Saudi Arabia, following an invitation from Saudi authorities. The Pakistan Air Force deployed JF-17 "Thunder" fighters, Il-78MP refueling aircraft, Saab-2000 "Erieye" early warning aircraft, and four C-130H transport planes. These aerial assets will help maintain balance of power over the Persian Gulf.
Some are puzzled: why is the Pakistan Air Force stationed in Saudi Arabia? Is it for defense or aimed at whom? Could it be Iran?
Not necessarily Iran. In fact, Iran has publicly expressed support for Pakistan’s deployment to assist Saudi Arabia, calling it a positive step toward regional peace.
The move ties closely to the UAE’s debt demands. Due to the UAE’s independent stance during the U.S.-Iran conflict—aligning closely with the U.S. to target Iran—Pakistan had been repeatedly urged by the UAE to repay a $3.5 billion debt. Facing severe fiscal constraints, Pakistan could not meet this demand. To counter the UAE’s pressure, Saudi Arabia and Qatar jointly offered Pakistan approximately $5 billion in financial aid, aiming to help fulfill its debt obligations to the UAE. The Middle East region, beyond the U.S.-Iran tensions, Palestine-Israel conflicts, and Iran-Israel rivalries, also includes complex entanglements among the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Iran, as tangled as a bowl of porridge.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862220832833540/
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