Pakistan Expands Military Reach in the Arab World

Pakistan is notably expanding its military reach within the Arab world, a shift poised to alter the strategic dynamics of South and West Asia. With the backing of robust ties with China, Islamabad is pursuing lucrative arms contracts and contemplating a NATO-like Islamic defense coalition with Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Raza Hayat Harraj, the Minister for Defence Production in Pakistan, revealed that discussions surrounding a trilateral partnership involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey have been active for almost a year. A draft of the agreement has been circulated to both countries, with a final decision pending. “The trilateral agreement is in motion, with deliberations ongoing among the three nations,” Harraj proclaimed.

Concurrently, Pakistan is on the verge of finalizing a $1.5 billion deal to provide weaponry and jets to Sudan, marking significant support for Sudanese forces amidst conflicts with the Rapid Support Forces. Additionally, negotiations with Saudi Arabia seek to convert approximately $2 billion in loans into a deal for JF-17 fighter jets, further reinforcing military cooperation following last year’s defense pact.

Although these agreements may not rank among the global giants, they illustrate Pakistan's rising military stature and influence throughout the Middle East. The JF-17 Thunder, crafted by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in collaboration with China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, has garnered interest from Iraq, with Pakistan fabricating the airframe and China supplying avionics.

Traditionally, Pakistan's contributions to the Middle East have centered on training Arab forces rather than arms provisions. If successful, these negotiations could enable Pakistan to emerge as a pivotal security provider and a player capable of steering regional conflicts.

Analysts caution that Islamabad must adeptly traverse the diverse interests within a fragmented Arab landscape. For instance, while Pakistan may equip Sudan’s army, its backing comes from Saudi Arabia, whereas Sudan has accused the UAE of support for the Rapid Support Forces—an accusation Abu Dhabi disputes. Moreover, in Libya, Pakistan is believed to have inked a $4 billion deal with Khalifa Haftar, whose militia has links to Sudan’s paramilitary issues.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to face off in Yemen, complicating Pakistan's potential to supply arms to different factions within the region. “It will prove challenging for Pakistan to market the same arms systems to adversarial sides,” noted Umer Karim, an associate fellow at the King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies based in Riyadh.

The involvement of China plays a crucial role, granting Pakistan leverage in its exports. The JF-17, collaboratively produced with Beijing, is regarded as a dependable asset for nations like Sudan and Libya, enhancing Islamabad's geopolitical significance. A former Pakistan Armed Forces officer emphasized, “These nations might order in smaller quantities, yet Pakistan is perceived as a reliable source bolstered by China’s solid support.”

This outreach is occurring amidst fierce global competition between the United States and China. While the US dominates global arms sales with a 43% share in 2024, China captures 6% of the market, a significant portion directed toward Pakistan, thereby enhancing its defensive capabilities and regional sway.

Pakistan's expanding footprint in the Arab region indicates a transformation from its historical role as a training partner for allied forces to an increasingly assertive supplier of advanced military equipment, possibly altering strategic alliances within the Middle East.