Kuwait, a small oil-rich nation in the Gulf, is reportedly considering a mutual defence pact with Pakistan, akin to the agreement Islamabad established with Saudi Arabia last year. This move comes in response to a heightened threat posed by Iranian drone and missile strikes throughout the ongoing US-Iran conflict. While Kuwait currently possesses a defence cooperation agreement with Pakistan, it aims to enhance this partnership significantly.

Recent events have intensified Kuwait’s security concerns. On July 24, 2026, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for a drone strike on the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, which has been used by US forces. Reports indicated that the attack resulted in casualties among American personnel, further underscoring Kuwait’s vulnerability to external threats.

Kuwait’s recent actions also reflect a broader trend among Middle Eastern nations grappling with security issues stemming from Iranian aggression. The United States has been perceived as failing to adequately protect its allies in the region, prompting Kuwait to seek more robust defence measures through enhanced bilateral military agreements.

Details of the Existing Defence Agreement

The current defence cooperation agreement between Kuwait and Pakistan was ratified on July 26, 2026, after being signed in June 2023. This agreement establishes a framework for military collaboration, encompassing a range of areas such as military training, intelligence sharing, and logistics. It also includes provisions for joint exercises and exchanges of expertise between the two countries’ armed forces.

This partnership aims to foster deeper military ties over a period of five years, with provisions for automatic renewal unless either party decides otherwise. Notably, the agreement includes measures to protect sensitive military information and outlines a diplomatic approach for resolving disputes that may arise during its implementation.

Despite this existing framework, Kuwait has been involved in discussions regarding a more comprehensive defence pact with Pakistan, which would reportedly include energy cooperation and investment, reflecting an exchange of strategic interests between the two nations.

Kuwait’s Aspirations for a Comprehensive Defence Pact

According to sources, Kuwait is aiming for a defence agreement that mirrors Pakistan’s pact with Saudi Arabia. It seeks assurances that would potentially involve the deployment of thousands of Pakistani troops and advanced military hardware, including fighter jets and air defence systems. This ambition arises from Kuwait’s need for a robust military partnership to counter Iranian threats.

The Saudi-Pakistan defence agreement, established in September 2025, commits both nations to mutual defence, significantly enhancing their military cooperation. This context adds pressure for Kuwait to secure a similar arrangement to bolster its national security.

However, Islamabad remains cautious about entering another defence partnership, particularly amid the ongoing geopolitical instability associated with the US-Iran conflict. Pakistani officials have voiced concerns regarding the implications of involvement in another regional dispute, especially considering the scale of Iranian provocations directed at Gulf states.

Kuwait’s increasing vulnerability, evidenced by repeated missile attacks affecting critical national infrastructure, complicates its quest for a meaningful defence agreement. While negotiations are ongoing, potential obstacles remain due to the wider regional tensions that may hinder the establishment of such a pact.

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