Yemen Accused of Damaging Pakistani Air Force Fighter Jet in Saudi Arabia

Pakistan on Sunday rejected reports that a missile fired by Yemen's Ansar Allah movement, known as the Houthis, damaged Pakistan Air Force JF-17 fighter jets at a Saudi air base. Pakistan's Ministry of Information said there is no credible or official report confirming any damage to PAF aircraft in Saudi Arabia.

The denial follows reports, first carried in Pakistani outlets including ProPakistani, that raised the question of whether Yemeni forces had struck Pakistani aircraft on Saudi soil. The origin of those reports has not been made clear, and no independent confirmation of any damage has been published. The ministry's statement is the only official position available so far.

The episode comes as Pakistan's defence ties with Riyadh draw scrutiny. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a mutual defence pact on September 17, 2025, declaring that any aggression against either country would be considered aggression against both. The Guardian reported on September 19 that the pact could draw Pakistan into the conflict in Yemen. Muhammad Amir Rana, director of the Islamabad-based Pak Institute for Peace Studies, told the paper: “Pakistan will do its best not to get involved in any incursion on Yemeni soil.” A senior Pakistani official, speaking privately, said he did not think the Saudi crown prince “wants to activate the pact now.”

The JF-17 is a multirole fighter operated by the Pakistan Air Force. The reports have not been verified, and Pakistan's position is that no damage to its aircraft in Saudi Arabia has been confirmed.