Kuwait has moved to deepen its military partnership with Pakistan after officially approving a wide-ranging defence cooperation agreement aimed at expanding coordination between the two armed forces.
The agreement, published in Kuwait’s official gazette, Kuwait Alyawm, gives legal force to a framework signed by Kuwait and Pakistan in June 2023 covering military training, defence expertise, intelligence cooperation and technological exchange.
The deal establishes a structured mechanism for long-term defence collaboration rather than limited military exchanges, with both countries committing to annual programmes, joint planning and regular coordination between their defence institutions.
A joint military committee will oversee the implementation of the agreement and will bring together officials appointed by both defence ministries. The committee is expected to meet annually to review progress and identify new areas of cooperation.
The agreement also creates rules for handling sensitive military information, requiring both sides to protect classified documents and preventing their disclosure to third parties without approval from the country that provided them.
The decision comes at a time when Gulf security calculations are being reshaped by growing regional instability, including tensions involving Iran, the United States and armed groups operating across the Middle East.
Kuwait has long relied on its strategic partnership with Washington for security guarantees, particularly since the 1990 Iraqi invasion and the subsequent establishment of a significant US military presence in the country.
But recent crises, including missile and drone threats targeting regional infrastructure and rising tensions around key waterways, have encouraged Gulf countries to strengthen their own defence capabilities and broaden their international partnerships.
The agreement with Pakistan gives Kuwait access to a military partner with extensive experience in conventional warfare, counterterrorism operations, intelligence and defence training. Pakistan’s armed forces are among the largest in the Muslim world and have developed significant capabilities in areas such as air defence, military technology and operational planning.
For Kuwait, the partnership offers an opportunity to enhance training programmes, improve military preparedness and strengthen cooperation in areas that have become increasingly important in modern conflicts, including surveillance, intelligence gathering and protection against asymmetric threats.
The agreement also reflects broader efforts by Gulf states to create more flexible security networks while maintaining relations with established allies. Kuwait has traditionally pursued a balanced foreign policy, favouring diplomacy and mediation rather than confrontation. The expanded defence relationship with Pakistan is expected to complement, rather than replace, its existing security partnerships.
Under the agreement, both countries will exchange military personnel, specialists and technical experts, while cooperation may also extend to scientific and defence-related research.
Financial arrangements are based on reciprocity, with each side responsible for agreed costs related to official delegations, including internal transport, accommodation and emergency medical care during visits.
The agreement will remain separate from other international obligations held by either country and includes provisions for resolving disputes through direct consultations between Kuwait and Pakistan.
The move comes as regional governments increasingly focus on building national resilience and safeguarding critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, maritime routes and strategic installations.
By formalising defence cooperation with Pakistan, Kuwait is seeking to strengthen its military capabilities while navigating an increasingly unpredictable security environment in the Gulf.