Pakistan-Saudi-Turkey have prepared a draft trilateral defence agreement after nearly a year of talks, Defence Production Minister Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj revealed on 15 January 2026. The potential defence deal between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey remains under deliberation, separate from the existing bilateral Saudi-Pakistani accord.
The disclosure highlights efforts to strengthen ties among the three nations amid heightened regional instability over the past two years. In South Asia and the broader Muslim world, such cooperation could provide a stronger framework for addressing shared security challenges, including terrorism and external influences.
Trilateral Defence Pact Details
The defence deal between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey is described as already in the pipeline. “The Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey trilateral agreement is something that is already in the pipeline,” Harraj stated in an interview with Reuters. “The draft agreement is already available to us. The draft agreement has already been sent to Saudi Arabia. The draft agreement is already available with Turkey. And all three countries are deliberating. And this agreement has been there for the last 10 months.”
A final consensus among the three states is required to complete the deal. No signing has taken place, and the trilateral defence pact is distinct from the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September 2025, which declared aggression against one as aggression against both.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed related reports during a press conference in Istanbul on 15 January 2026. “At the moment, there are meetings, talks, but we have not signed any agreement,” he said. Fidan emphasised President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s vision for an inclusive regional platform to foster security cooperation, build trust, and mitigate instability caused by terrorism, war, and external hegemony.
The trilateral defence pact signals intent for enhanced regional security cooperation. It follows months of negotiations initiated against a backdrop of escalating violence in multiple theatres, including the Middle East and South Asia.
Pakistan Defence Minister Statement and Implications
Harraj’s statement as Pakistan’s defence minister confirms that discussions are at an advanced stage. The minister highlighted the draft’s circulation but provided no details on specific provisions, such as joint procurement, technology transfers, or military exercises.
In the South Asian context, the Pakistan-Saudi-Turkey defence deal holds significance for Pakistan’s strategic positioning. With ongoing border tensions and internal security threats, strengthened alliances with Gulf and Turkish partners could bolster defence capabilities and economic benefits through potential arms deals. Pakistan’s JF-17 fighter jets and other defence products have attracted interest from these nations.
The deal aligns with broader trends in defence collaboration. Pakistan and Turkey maintain active ties through the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, which in 2025 established new committees on security, defence, and intelligence. Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in Pakistan, with defence as a growing pillar of that investment.
Regional security cooperation through this pact could counterbalance external powers and reduce reliance on traditional alliances. The last two years have seen flare-ups that underscore the need for unified responses among like-minded states.
Background
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey share longstanding strategic and cultural links. Bilateral defence relations are well-established: Pakistan has historically supported Saudi security needs, while Turkey collaborates with Pakistan on naval projects like MILGEM corvettes and drone technology sharing.
The bilateral Saudi-Pakistani Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement of September 2025 laid the groundwork for deeper ties. Similarly, Pakistan-Turkey engagements have expanded through regular high-level mechanisms.
The push for a trilateral defence pact emerged amid evolving geopolitics, including questions over major power commitments in the region.
What’s Next
Deliberations continue without a set timeline for finalisation. Official statements from the defence or foreign ministries of the three countries will indicate progress. If consensus is reached, the Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey defence deal could lead to concrete steps, such as joint military drills or expanded defence trade, in 2026 and beyond.
The Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey defence deal, while still in development, reflects a strategic effort to advance regional security cooperation and stability in a volatile landscape.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 16th, 2026
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