Turkey is evaluating ways to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s defensive capabilities against attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militants while ruling out direct participation in offensive military operations, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced.Speaking during a joint press conference in Ankara, Fidan explained that Turkey’s potential assistance would fall under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in August.The agreement considers an armed attack against one participating country an attack against all three, establishing a framework for collective defence cooperation.

Fidan emphasised that the arrangement is strictly defensive. Turkey will not send troops into Yemen to conduct military attacks against Houthi forces.Military officials are currently assessing Saudi Arabia’s operational requirements, particularly regarding air defence systems, electronic warfare capabilities and technical military assistance.The three countries have already conducted political and military consultations following escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi territory.

Turkey Strengthens Defence Cooperation With Saudi Arabia

Turkey is preparing to strengthen defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan after the three countries agreed to begin implementing collective security commitments, including rapid military deployment preparations. However, Turkey’s parliament has yet to ratify the agreement, meaning immediate assistance would proceed mainly through bilateral arrangements. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said preparations for parliamentary approval were nearly complete. With NATO’s second-largest military and a strong defence industry, Turkey has expressed willingness to support Saudi Arabia’s defensive capabilities against Houthi attacks.

Turkey has also agreed to participate in a Saudi-led coalition aimed at protecting commercial navigation through the Red Sea.The waterway remains strategically important for international shipping, particularly as regional military tensions threaten maritime security.Fidan maintained that Yemen’s government forces were conducting ground operations with Saudi support, distinguishing those activities from Turkey’s proposed defensive involvement.