Turkiye plans to submit a parliamentary mandate authorising the deployment of military personnel to Saudi Arabia under a joint defence agreement with Pakistan and Riyadh. A ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) lawmaker confirmed the development on Wednesday, October 21, highlighting Ankara’s growing defence cooperation with its regional partners.
The lawmaker, who spoke anonymously, said the government would present the mandate after parliament approves the legislation ratifying the agreement. Consequently, the proposed deployment remains linked to the country’s formal approval of the defence pact.
Parliament to Review Joint Defence Agreement
Turkiye submitted the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement to parliament for ratification on Tuesday. The agreement, signed by Turkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in August, aims to strengthen collective security and establish mutual defence commitments among the three countries.
The pact brings NATO’s second-largest military closer to a formal defence partnership with Saudi Arabia as the kingdom faces increasing security challenges, including attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement. Moreover, the agreement seeks to improve coordination between the three countries in responding to potential regional threats.
Initial Deployment to Focus on Defensive Support
The Turkish lawmaker clarified that personnel deployed under the agreement would not participate in offensive military operations. Instead, Ankara initially plans to send technical personnel and specialists to support Saudi Arabia’s air defence systems, electronic warfare technologies and other defensive capabilities.
Earlier, officials indicated that Turkiye’s contribution could primarily involve military equipment, intelligence sharing and weapons systems. However, the proposed mandate signals that technical expertise and personnel could also support the partnership.
Meanwhile, Turkiye has condemned Houthi attacks and agreed to join a Saudi-led coalition focused on protecting navigation in the Red Sea. The three countries are expected to coordinate their defence efforts as they advance the agreement’s implementation.
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