Mecca Joint Defence Pact Enters into Force

Saudi Arabia has taken major steps to strengthen the security of its key cities, oil facilities and holy sites amid repeated drone and missile attacks by the Houthis.
At an emergency meeting in Riyadh on October 5, the “Mecca Joint Defence Pact” was activated. Under the pact, Riyadh is developing a joint air defence system with Pakistan. Türkiye is also expected to join the arrangement.
Around one squadron, or 16, of Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jets have been stationed at King Abdulaziz Air Base in Dhahran, eastern Saudi Arabia.
The JF-17 Block III is equipped with an advanced AESA radar and PL-15 long-range missiles. The aircraft will help protect oil facilities and Saudi airspace.
Pakistan has also deployed its Chinese-designed HQ-9 surface-to-air missile system and several drone squadrons.
The HQ-9 system will work alongside the US-made Patriot and THAAD systems already deployed in Saudi Arabia. Together, the systems will create a multilayered air defence network.
Türkiye is also preparing to increase its defence assistance.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Türkiye is supporting Riyadh mainly with technical assistance, counter-drone systems and electronic warfare systems.
Türkiye’s Korkut smart gun system and Hisar series of missile systems could help counter small and medium-sized drones.
However, the deployment of Turkish aircraft or troops would depend on approval from the Turkish parliament.
Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman described the move as collective deterrence. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Saudi Arabia would lead the main fight.
According to him, the main role of the allied countries would be surveillance, intelligence sharing and airspace protection.
However, coordinating the technologies and command structures of several countries remains a major challenge.
The integration of US-made Patriot systems, Chinese HQ-9 systems and Turkish technologies would be complex.
Despite the challenges, the support from Pakistan and Türkiye will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s overall defence capabilities. It will also help protect the East-West oil pipeline, key cities and religious sites.