Turkey Set to Join Saudi-Pakistan Security Alliance Mirroring NATO Structure

Turkey is engaging in talks to become part of a security alliance between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan that mirrors NATO's collective defense framework. This new agreement includes a clause akin to NATO's Article 5, whereby any attack on a member is seen as an attack on all.

Initially a bilateral pact between Riyadh and Islamabad, the agreement has progressed considerably with Turkey's participation. According to a strategist in Ankara, Saudi Arabia is poised to offer financial backing, Pakistan will bring its nuclear capabilities and military personnel, while Turkey will contribute its military expertise and resources from its defense industry.

In light of the US turning its focus towards its own interests and those of Israel in the region, nations such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are forging new alliances to clarify their friendships and adversities.

Analysts believe that Turkey’s emerging strategic interests across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa coincide nicely with the aspirations of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, rendering this expanded alliance a logical development.

Recently, these three nations have strengthened their cooperation by conducting their inaugural joint naval meeting in Ankara.

Turkey's involvement carries significant weight, being a crucial NATO member with the second-largest military capacity after the United States.

Both Saudi Arabia and Turkey harbor concerns regarding the Shiite-majority Iran, yet they prefer engagement and diplomatic solutions over hostility. They also advocate for a stable Sunni-led Syria and the pursuit of Palestinian statehood.

Additionally, Turkey and Pakistan enjoy strong defense collaboration, including initiatives on constructing warships for Pakistan’s navy, upgrading F-16 jets, and sharing drone technology with both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Turkey has even invited both states to collaborate on its fifth-generation fighter jet program.

These trilateral security discussions emerge after a ceasefire concluded a brief military clash between India and Pakistan, during which Turkey actively supported Pakistan.