International Relations
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.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi ArabiaYemenOmanUnited Arab EmiratesSaudi Arabia
Red SeaPersian GulfArabian DesertSaudi ArabiaKey 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.