Defence & Security
Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan hold joint military drills amid regional tensions
What happened
Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan concluded three-day joint military exercises in Turkiye’s Konya province on August 10, 2026, aimed at enhancing interoperability and counter-terrorism cooperation. The drills, named Anatolian Eagle 2026, involved air, land and special forces units from the three countries, reflecting growing military coordination in the region.
Key facts
bullet: The drills, Anatolian Eagle 2026, were held in Konya, Turkiye, from August 8–10, 2026.
bullet: Participants included air, land and special forces units from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan.
bullet: The exercises focused on counter-terrorism operations, air combat and joint command structures.
bullet: This marks the first time all three countries participated together in the Anatolian Eagle series.
bullet: Saudi Arabia deployed F-15 fighter jets, while Pakistan contributed JF-17 Thunder aircraft and special forces teams.
Context
bullet: Anatolian Eagle is an annual multinational air force exercise hosted by Turkiye since 2001, originally designed for NATO allies but expanded to include non-NATO partners. bullet: Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan have deepened military ties in recent years, with joint exercises becoming more frequent amid shifting regional security dynamics. bullet: The exercises follow Turkiye’s expanded role in Middle Eastern and African security, including military operations in Syria and Libya. bullet: Pakistan’s participation underscores its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, particularly in counter-terrorism and regional stability efforts.