Pakistan Expands Defence Influence in Arab World Through Islamic NATO Deals
Pakistan is steadily expanding its military influence across the Arab world, potentially reshaping power dynamics in South and West Asia. This growth is particularly significant for neighboring India, which must consider the implications of Pakistan’s evolving defense partnerships.
Emerging Defense Agreements
The South Asian nation is reportedly nearing completion of significant arms deals, including:
- A $1.5 billion deal to supply weapons and aircraft to Sudan.
- Negotiations with Saudi Arabia to convert $2 billion in loans into a deal for JF-17 fighter jets.
These agreements signal an escalating military collaboration between Pakistan and Arab countries. Raza Hayat Harraj, Pakistan’s Minister for Defence Production, confirmed that Islamabad is working on a draft defense agreement with Turkey and Saudi Arabia. This deal is aimed at forming an Islamic NATO-type alliance.
Details of the Islamic NATO Deal
Harraj stated that the trilateral agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey has been under consideration for over ten months. The draft has been shared among all three nations, yet final consensus remains to be achieved.
This initiative comes on the heels of a previous bilateral defense pact established with Saudi Arabia last year, reinforcing military ties between the two countries.
Potential Impacts on Regional Stability
While the aforementioned deals are not considered massive within the larger context of global defense contracts, they highlight Pakistan’s increasing presence in the region. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of Pakistan noted that Iraq has also expressed interest in acquiring JF-17 Thunder jets, which are produced in collaboration with China.
Production of the JF-17 jets reflects a joint effort, with 58% of the manufacture taking place in Pakistan and 42% in China. This strategic cooperation is pivotal as Islamabad seeks to solidify its foothold in the Middle East.
A Changing Landscape for Pakistan
Historically, Pakistan’s military engagements in the Middle East were primarily focused on training allied forces. However, these emerging defense agreements could position Pakistan as a crucial security provider, possibly influencing regional stability.
Analysts advise caution as Pakistan navigates its expanding military clientele amidst divisions in the Arab world. The dynamics between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, particularly in Yemen, illustrate the delicate balance Islamabad must maintain.
The Role of China in Defense Sales
Pakistan’s defense offerings, especially the JF-17, benefit from robust Chinese support. This collaboration may enhance the capabilities of Sudanese and Libyan armed forces, according to former military officials.
Amidst a competitive global arms market, countries are reevaluating their defense procurement strategies. The U.S. remains the largest arms exporter, while China, although fourth globally, has strong ties with Pakistan, supplying a substantial portion of its military equipment.
As Pakistan moves forward with these strategic agreements, its military footprint in the Arab world is set for significant expansion, reflecting broader geopolitical shifts.
