Pakistan deploys troops and aircraft to Saudi base for Yemen air support

Pakistan has sent about 8,000 troops, a squadron of roughly 16 aircraft and two drone squadrons to Saudi Arabia, with crews operating from King Abdulaziz Air Base since April, according to multiple officials.

The deployment also includes a Chinese HQ‑9 air‑defence battery and is financed by Riyadh, while Pakistani officials say the forces are focused on air support to counter Houthi UAV and missile threats rather than ground combat.