Turkey is preparing to authorize the deployment of military personnel to Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, a trilateral pact signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in August 2026. The agreement commits the three countries to assist one another in the event of an armed attack.

Turkey has submitted the defense agreement to its parliament for ratification, bringing the country closer to formally activating its commitments. The move comes as Saudi Arabia faces escalating attacks from Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which has targeted locations including cities and critical infrastructure.

The three countries agreed earlier this month to implement collective defense measures and arrange the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia. Their agreement followed an emergency meeting of defense and foreign officials in Riyadh on October 5.

Turkey’s initial contribution has focused primarily on defensive and technical assistance, including military equipment, intelligence sharing, air defense capabilities and operational support. Turkish assistance has also included drone operators, surveillance capabilities, logistics and strategic planning, according to officials familiar with the arrangements.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has emphasized that the agreement is defensive rather than offensive, saying Ankara does not intend to send troops into another country to conduct attacks. Turkish officials have indicated that the country’s role will focus on helping Saudi Arabia defend its territory and protect critical infrastructure.

The agreement resembles NATO’s collective defense principle, under which an armed attack against one member is treated as a threat to the others. However, the specific military contributions and scope of assistance are to be determined according to the circumstances and the participating countries’ legal requirements.

Pakistan is also expected to provide military support to Saudi Arabia under the pact. The three countries are seeking to strengthen their defense coordination as the conflict in Yemen intensifies, and threats to regional security and Red Sea shipping continue.

The exact number of Turkish personnel to be deployed, their arrival date, and the final scope of their mission have not been publicly established. Turkey’s parliamentary approval process remains a key step toward formalizing its military commitments under the agreement.