On September 17th, the situation in the Middle East was once again pushed to the forefront. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan formally signed a mutual defense treaty, which means that for the first time, the two countries publicly recognized that they are military alliances, rather than cooperation between employment and employment. According to the agreement, Pakistani troops can directly enter Saudi territory once Saudi Arabia needs it. This change not only affects the pattern of the Middle East, but also makes the outside world turn its attention to the equipment problem behind it.
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain hand in hand, what’s behind the deal?
On September 17, 2025, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan issued a joint statement in the global media, announcing that the two sides officially signed a joint defense treaty, a move that would equal the direct upgrading of relations from a “partner” to a “military ally.”In the past, Saudi Arabia spent more money hiring Pakistani soldiers to help guard the territory, but now the situation is different.
This shift is not sudden. The long-standing regional security pressure faced by Saudi Arabia, from the threat of rocket bombs in the direction of Yemen to Iran’s influence in the Middle East, has made Saudi Arabia eager to find a reliable defense partner. Pakistan, with its huge military size and practical experience, has become the preferred target.
For Pakistan, this treaty is equally significant. The domestic economy is under pressure and foreign exchange reserves are tight. Getting Saudi Arabia's firm support is undoubtedly a strategic guarantee. More importantly, this cooperation can help Pakistan gain a strategic depth in the face of possible air pressure from India and Israel. The signing of the treaty gives Islamabad more leverage.
The U.S. and Western media remain cautious about the deal, as it could mean a new military alliance in the Middle East, especially in the context of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the Israeli conflict, any wind blowing in the Middle East will affect the global energy and security landscape. The union between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is both a response to external threats and part of the game of great powers.
At this time, what is more noteworthy is the enforcement power of the treaty. Once Saudi Arabia needs it, the entry of Pakistani troops into Saudi Arabia will no longer be just support, but the obligation of the alliance. It means that Pakistan's air force and ground forces will be directly deployed in the Middle East, directly affecting the strategic balance of the Gulf. This naturally affects changes in military equipment and combat systems, and this is the most sensitive focus of the outside world.
If the J-10 or Hongqi-9 are stationed, who will be the happiest?
After the signing of the treaty, the outside world immediately paid attention to a question: If Pakistani troops enter Saudi Arabia, what equipment will they bring? The existing main forces of the Pakistan Air Force are clearly visible, including J-10CE fighter jets, Hongqi-9 air defense missile systems, Hongqi-16 medium-range air defense systems, ZDK-03 early warning aircraft and electronic warfare jets. Once these equipment are deployed in Saudi Arabia, they will change the military structure in the Gulf region.
The J-10CE is an export-oriented multi-purpose fighter jet from China. It has good maneuverability and advanced avionics system, and is considered to be an extremely cost-effective choice. Pakistan has ordered 48 aircraft, but this number is definitely not enough to cope with the pressure of the Indian Air Force and take into account the deployment in Saudi Arabia. For China, that means potential additional orders. Saudi Arabia itself has experience in introducing European Typhoon fighters and American F-15s, but if Pakistan's fleet is expanded, the most realistic thing is to continue to purchase J-10CE.
The Hongqi-9 anti-aircraft missile is also the focus of attention from the outside world. As a long-range air defense system independently developed by China, it has been favored by many countries. Pakistan currently has four sets, but this number is far from enough in the face of the pressure of double-front operations. Once Saudi Arabia needs to establish an air defense network, the Hongqi series air defense system will inevitably become a supplementary option. This will not only meet Pakistan's needs, but may also directly benefit Saudi Arabia.
The emergence of the ZDK-03 early warning aircraft and electronic fighter aircraft represents a breakthrough in the high-end system of Chinese equipment. Early warning aircraft is the "brain" of the modern air force, without which it can not a real sense of joint defense. Saudi existing U.S. equipment although advanced, but the willingness to share with Pakistan is always questionable.
For China, this is a real victory dividend, not a massive arms sale agreement between China and Saudi Arabia, but through a treaty with Pakistan, bringing Chinese equipment to the Middle East and forming an indirect presence. As demand increases in Pakistan, there will inevitably be greater purchases in the future.For Saudi Arabia, the diversification of the equipment system increases strategic flexibility.
That’s why it’s widely believed that Chinese equipment is the “biggest winner” behind the treaty: China’s weapons systems could use Pakistan’s power to enter the most sensitive strategic areas in the Middle East without direct involvement.This not only enhances the international reputation of Chinese equipment, but also paves the way for larger-scale exports in the future.
New shock in the Middle East, uneasiness between the United States and Israel comes to the surface
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a joint defence treaty, and the entire Middle East immediately exploded like a pot. Saudi Arabia, which has long relied on U.S. military protection, suddenly signed a formal defence agreement with Batumi, for the first time in history. In the past, Pakistan was only seen as an "outsourcing army", and now it has become an ally with a completely different nature.
The U.S. is the first party to be disturbed. For a long time, Washington has regarded the Middle East as its own sphere of influence, and Saudi Arabia is also an important customer for energy and arms business. The Pentagon is clear that once the Pakistani army is in Saudi Arabia, Chinese equipment will follow in. This is like opening a door in the Gulf, forcing the U.S. to face the reality: it is not Saudi’s only military reliance.
For a long time, Israel has had almost no military opponents in the Middle East, and now there is an additional air defense force likely to carry the J-10 and Red Flag 9. Israeli media soon issued a report calling the treaty a “dangerous signal,” fearing that new variables will emerge in the future in the face of threats to Palestine and its surroundings.
Iran is a different mindset. On the surface, Tehran may be wary of Saudi actions, but the actual situation is more complicated. Saudi Arabia's approach to Pakistan is not necessarily entirely aimed at Iran, but more of a defensive consideration. Instead, domestic public opinion in Iran is discussing whether this can force the United States to be more restrained in the region. Once the influence of the United States declines, Iran's space for activities will also expand.
The Gulf countries, such as the UAE and Qatar, are also closely monitored.They have cooperation and competition with Saudi Arabia, and now Saudi Arabia goes to Pakistan, which is equivalent to adding a security card. Although the small countries don't talk about it, they are all thinking about whether to prepare more backup moves themselves, so as not to be dragged down by the situation in the future.
On a global level, the treaty has allowed the outside world to begin to re-recognize the pattern of the Middle East.The long-standing U.S. dominance is being replaced by diversity, and regional nations are increasingly inclined to find allies for themselves, rather than relying entirely on external powers. The choice of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is, in a sense, a symbol of this trend.
China's strategic prospects and potential explosive power
For China, this defense treaty is not directly involved, but it may bring huge strategic dividends. China's J-10CE, Hongqi-9, early warning aircraft and other equipment have already been in service in Pakistan and have shown good reliability. Now, once the treaty is implemented, these equipment are expected to appear in Saudi Arabia with Pakistani troops.
This is a typical "indirect infiltration."Instead of China's proactive sale of equipment, rather than Pakistan's own use, Saudi Arabia is fairly accepted.This method is more gold-intensive than a mere arms trade.Because once the equipment is deployed in real war, the Saudi army must contact, learn and even cooperate with it.
For Pakistan, the quantity of existing equipment is obviously not enough.48 J-10CEs had already gotten the elbow in the face of the Indian Air Force, and now also considering the permanent presence in Saudi Arabia, adding orders is almost a nail on the board. The same applies to Red Flag 9 and Red Flag 16. Once the number is insufficient, it must continue to be imported from China.
For Saudi Arabia, this is not only military help, but also a strategic diversification choice. Saudi Arabia used to be highly dependent on American-made equipment, but its cooperation with the United States is not without contradictions. High prices, long lead times, and political strings attached have been troubling Riyadh. In contrast, Chinese equipment is more flexible, cost-effective, and can provide the guarantee of rapid delivery.
The deeper meaning is that once China’s weapons are steadfast in the core region of the Middle East, international influence will significantly increase.The Middle East has always been a windmark in the world arms market, and if countries like Saudi Arabia accept the J-10 and Red Flag series, then other Gulf nations will naturally re-evaluate their choices.This demonstration effect may be far more valuable than a simple arms sales contract.
In the future, the potential explosive power of China’s military industry is here.The Pakistani-Saudi treaty provides a stage for China’s “real war show.” For China, this is the embodiment of its strength and the natural result of the new pattern of international relations.