Turkey planning ‘Islamic Nato’ with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, where an attack on one would be a war against all: Report
What is the Islamic NATO defense pact?
A defense agreement was signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September. According to Bloomberg, the agreement states that “any aggression” against one member will be considered an attack against all members. Türkiye, which is a member of NATO and has the second largest army in the alliance after the USA, is now looking for ways to officially join the group.
People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg on condition of anonymity that talks on Türkiye’s accession are at an advanced stage and a deal looks likely.
Why are Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye coming together?
Bloomberg reported that the proposed expansion reflects the increasing overlap in the strategic interests of Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in multiple regions. Türkiye reportedly sees the alliance as a way to strengthen its security and deterrence posture at a time when questions remain about the reliability of the United States and President Donald Trump’s commitment to NATO.
The three countries want to sign the agreement because Saudi Arabia will bring financial power, Pakistan’s nuclear capacity, ballistic missiles and manpower to the alliance, and Türkiye will contribute to its military experience and rapidly growing defense industry.
From competition to cooperation
Türkiye’s official accession to the agreement will mark a new phase in its relations with Saudi Arabia. The two countries were once rivals for leadership of the Sunni Muslim world but are now deepening economic and defense ties. Both countries recently held their first maritime meeting in Ankara.
Despite common concerns about Shiite-majority Iran, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia prefer rapprochement with Tehran rather than conflict. Both countries support a stable, Sunni-led Syria and support a Palestinian state.
Strong military ties with Pakistan
Türkiye and Pakistan already have close defense cooperation. Ankara is building corvette warships for the Pakistani navy, modernizing Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets, and sharing unmanned aerial vehicle technology with both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Türkiye now wants both countries to participate in the Kaan fifth-generation fighter jet program.
India-Pakistan tension in the background
The tripartite defense talks emerged following the latest clashes between India and Pakistan in May. While the clashes cease, tension continues in the region. Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to face friction following clashes and Islamabad’s accusations that the Taliban harbors hostile militant groups.
Türkiye and Qatar have mediated talks between the parties, but these efforts have so far failed to yield any progress.
