Saudi-Pakistan defense cooperation can reach new heights
The people of Pakistan have special reverence for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam; where more than two-and-a-half million Pakistanis are employed and the volume of bilateral trade has been increasing.
The Arabian Gulf nations provide the world its vital energy needs. The oil boom of the early 1970s made the energy-rich countries realize that precious resources had to be defended, not only for their own benefit, but also for the world economy. Saudi-Pakistan defense cooperation started in earnest in the early 1970s and a formal protocol was signed in 1982. Saudi Arabia, with a vast area, had to defend large territories along with vital maritime lanes in the Gulf and the Red Sea.
Due to their geographical location, both nations have faced security challenges and can, therefore, ill afford to lower their guard. Post-9/11 warfare has fast evolved to include several non-traditional factors. Non-state actors, acts of subversion, missiles and psychological warfare have changed threat perceptions around the globe. Modern warfare is a mix of kinetic power, covert war tactics and cyberattacks. Over the past decade, Pakistan has successfully fought its war on terror. Its battle-hardened armed forces, the army in particular, are now in a position to share their vast experience with friendly nations. Bilateral cooperation will enhance peace and tranquility in our region, which has remained volatile since 1979.
The recent Gulf Shield military drill was a unique event in many ways. It was the largest military exercise conducted so far in this region, with the active participation of 24 nations. This exercise, which included four of the 10 best-rated armies of the world, lasted for a month, and it included the naval and air force assets of some of the participating countries. What distinguished the Pakistani presence in this huge undertaking was the participation of all three of its forces — army, navy and air force. This was a clear manifestation of the model bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. To highlight that fact, Pakistan’s Army Chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa was present at the concluding ceremony.
The aim of this international exercise was “to activate the concept of joint military combat operations to counter hostile acts that threaten the security and stability of the region.” It is not easy for thousands of combat personnel from so many countries to put their act together in such a short period of time. The diversity of expertise and quality of weapons witnessed during this gigantic event will remain etched in the memory of the participating troops for a long time. This seminal event took a year-and-a-half to prepare. It won international laurels for the host country and its armed forces for its meticulous coordination.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been holding regular bilateral military exercises since the 2009 Al-Samsaam III exercise, and this has led to excellent coordination and understanding between their armed forces.
Javed Hafeez
Two prominent war ships of the Pakistan Navy, PNS Tippu Sultan and PNS Himmat, had docked in the port city of Jubail last month to take part in this drill. What is even more important is that the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency ship PMSS Basol accompanied the two vessels. This was an indication that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are determined to singly and jointly face any threats to international trade in their territorial waters. Pakistani-produced JF-17 Thunder aircraft also thrilled viewers and participants alike with their capacity for maneuvers.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been holding regular bilateral military exercises since the 2009 Al-Samsaam III exercise, and this has led to excellent coordination and understanding between their armed forces.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Defense Minister Khurrum Dastgir Khan flew to the Kingdom especially for the concluding ceremony. For Pakistan, Saudi Arabia has been a true friend. One is reminded of 1998, when Pakistan got oil on deferred payments, and also the Gulf War to liberate Kuwait, when Pakistan actively participated as a member of the international coalition by sending thousands of troops to the Kingdom. I was present in Riyadh then and witnessed those developments from close quarters.
Bilateral defense cooperation is an ongoing area of activity that is likely to pick up in future. Defense training has to be a continuous venture as threat perceptions keep evolving. That is why Pakistan has recently decided to send 1,000 military trainers to the Kingdom. Pakistan will soon emerge as an important energy route between the GCC nations and China as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is completed. This would require greater vigilance on the high seas and during overland transportation.
Saudi-Pakistan defense cooperation is multi-faceted but has yet to achieve its full potential. Joint defense production, which is part of the bilateral protocol, is an under-explored area of vast possibilities. These true friends have malice against none and are working jointly for peace, security and progress.
– Javed Hafeez is a former Pakistani diplomat with much experience of the Middle East. He writes weekly columns in Pakistani and Gulf newspapers and appears regularly on satellite TV channels as a defense and political analyst.
Twitter: @hafiz_javed
