Saudi Arabia

Timeline

1. 30 Jul2026
   Defence

   Saudi Arabia unveils plans for multinational Red Sea maritime defence coalition¹²³

   After a Riyadh security meeting of 43 countries and the EU (reported 30-31 July 2026), Saudi Arabia unveiled a planned multinational maritime defence coalition for the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden; 14 countries backed it and it is not yet formally launched.

   • Riyadh meeting with officials from 43 countries and the EU; reported 30-31 July 2026
   • Saudi Arabia to be founding leader and host the headquarters
   • Fourteen countries including Turkey, Pakistan and Egypt issued a supporting statement
   • Prompted by Houthi attacks; charter and command arrangements still to be finalised
2. 18 May2026
   Defence

   Pakistan deploys troops and jets to Saudi Arabia under defence pact⁴⁵⁶⁷

   Pakistan deployed about 8,000 troops, HQ-9 air defence systems and a JF-17 fighter squadron to Saudi Arabia on 18 May under a mutual defence arrangement during the Gulf war.

   • Reuters reported that Pakistan has deployed about 8,000 troops, a JF-17 fighter squadron, two drone squadrons and a Chinese HQ-9 air defence system to Saudi Arabia (reports around mid-May 2026)
   • Jets arrived in early April; Riyadh pays for the equipment while Pakistani personnel operate it
   • Deployment rests on the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed on 17 September 2025; neither government commented

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Sources

1. Khaleej Times
2. Business Recorder
3. Express Tribune
4. Outlook India
5. The New Arab
6. Aaj News
7. i24NEWS