Pakistan, India's air forces jointly participate in combat exercise

Egypt: The Air Forces of Pakistan and India have joined forces for a combat exercise, marking an unprecedented collaboration.

The International Defense Combat Exercise, Brightstar, is currently underway in Egypt, with its closing ceremony scheduled for September 17.

Pakistan Air Force's JF-17 Thunder aircraft are actively participating in this high-profile exercise.

Over 8,000 personnel representing 34 countries have converged at the Mohammad Najib Airbase to partake in the exercises.

Additionally, 15 nations are participating as observers in Exercise Brightstar, which stands as the largest and most established military exercise in the Middle East.

The Indian Air Force has contributed 5 MiG-29s, two C-17, and two Illusion 78 tanker aircraft to the exercise.

While joint flying missions between Pakistan and the Indian Air Force did not take place during Bright Star, both air forces were stationed in Cairo throughout the exercise.

Al-Najm al-Sata 2023, also known as Bright Star, encompasses a wide array of participants, including ground troops, armored vehicles, artillery units, and naval and air assets from various countries.

The exercise is led by the US Central Command and features the active involvement of the Egyptian army, as well as US special forces.

Brightstar's inception dates back to 1980 when the first edition of the exercise was held in Egypt.

Since 1995, it has progressively expanded to include participation from other nations.

According to US Centcom, the primary aim of the exercise is to foster greater defense cooperation among participating countries.