Turkey is preparing to submit a parliamentary mandate allowing military personnel to be deployed to Saudi Arabia under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, a ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) lawmaker told Reuters on Wednesday.
The lawmaker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the mandate would be presented to parliament after lawmakers approve the bill ratifying the trilateral agreement.
The move could bring NATO’s second-largest military closer to a formal mutual defence commitment with Saudi Arabia as Riyadh faces security threats, including attacks claimed by Yemen’s Houthi movement.
Turkey Plans Defensive Military Support
The Turkish lawmaker said personnel deployed to other countries under the agreement would not participate in offensive operations.
According to the official, Turkey would initially send technical personnel and specialists to assist Saudi Arabia with air defence, electronic warfare technologies and other defensive capabilities.
The proposed deployment follows earlier reports that Turkey’s contribution to the alliance was expected to focus on military equipment, intelligence sharing and weapons systems. Officials previously told Reuters that no other form of deployment had taken place under the pact at that stage.
Turkey has condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and has also agreed to join a Saudi-led coalition aimed at ensuring navigational safety in the Red Sea.
Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia Move Defence Pact Forward
Turkey submitted the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement to parliament for ratification on Tuesday, according to parliamentary sources cited by Reuters.
Signed by Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia in August, the agreement establishes a framework for closer military cooperation and mutual assistance in the event of an armed attack against any member.
Its first article states that the three countries will use all necessary means to address threats to one another’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and internationally recognised borders.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Satisfied With Progress of Makkah Defence Alliance
Article 2 provides for immediate assistance if one member faces an armed attack or military aggression by another country or group of countries.
The provision resembles NATO’s collective-defence principle under Article 5 and refers to Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognises the right of individual and collective self-defence against armed attacks.
However, the agreement states that the three countries will determine the scope and nature of assistance according to an assessment of the support required and the resources available to them.
Alliance Agrees on Rapid Deployment of Forces
At an emergency meeting in Riyadh earlier this month, representatives of the three countries agreed to ensure the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia.
Turkey, which has developed a substantial defence industry, has expressed willingness to help address Saudi Arabia’s military technology requirements. Its planned support could include air-defence capabilities, electronic warfare expertise and intelligence cooperation.
The agreement also provides for collaboration in defence production, intelligence sharing, logistical support and counterterrorism efforts, including operational cooperation.
Regional Security Concerns Drive Cooperation
The proposed Turkish deployment comes as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey deepen their defence coordination amid continuing regional security concerns.
For Saudi Arabia, the arrangement offers a framework for receiving military assistance and technical expertise from its partners. For Turkey and Pakistan, it creates a formal mechanism for coordinating defence capabilities and responding to potential threats.
The planned parliamentary mandate would be a further step towards implementing the agreement, although the timing and final scope of any Turkish personnel deployment will depend on the relevant approval process and subsequent decisions by the three countries.
