PAF contingent arrives in KSA for aerial combat exercise

Web Desk: akistan Air Force contingent comprising F-16 Block-52 fighter aircraft, alongside dedicated air and ground crew, has arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to participate in multinational aerial combat Exercise Spears of Victory-2026.

The exercise is witnessing the participation of fighter jets and combat support elements from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, France, Italy, Greece, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

It offers a robust platform to enhance interoperability, operational synergy, mutual understanding and capacity building among participating Air Forces, particularly in large force employment, night composite air operations, integrated ISR, and operations in advanced electronic warfare environments.

Through participation in this multinational forum, Pakistan Air Force seeks to enhance interoperability with partner Air Forces, and validate its operational preparedness in a contested, technology-driven battle space.

For this international deployment, PAF fighter aircraft undertook a non-stop flight from their home base in Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, demonstrating the long-range operational reach and expeditionary capabilities of PAF.

During the conduct of the exercise, PAF pilots flying advanced F-16 Block-52 aircraft equipped with modern avionics and Beyond Visual Range capabilities will be pitched against aircrew of participating Air Forces operating a wide array of sophisticated combat aircraft.

The ISPR, in its statement, said that participation of Pakistan Air Force contingent in Exercise Spears of Victory-2026 not only reflects PAF’s firm commitment to regional and international military cooperation, but also underscores its professional excellence and proven capability to operate effectively in diverse and demanding operational environments alongside leading contemporary Air Forces.