Jan 19, 2026: A contingent of the Pakistan Air Force has arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Saudi Arabia to participate in the multinational aerial combat Exercise Spears of Victory-2026, officials said on Sunday.
The PAF contingent comprises F-16 Block-52 fighter aircraft along with dedicated air and ground crew. The exercise brings together fighter jets and combat support elements from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, France, Italy, Greece, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Kingdom and the United States, offering a platform to strengthen interoperability and operational coordination among participating air forces.
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According to officials, the drills are designed to enhance mutual understanding and capacity building, with a focus on large force employment, night composite air operations, integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and operations in advanced electronic warfare environments.
For the deployment, PAF fighter aircraft conducted a non-stop flight from their home base in Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, underscoring the air force’s long-range operational reach and expeditionary capability. During the exercise, PAF pilots flying F-16 Block-52 aircraft equipped with modern avionics and beyond-visual-range capabilities will operate alongside and against aircrews from other participating nations flying a range of advanced combat platforms.
Officials said Pakistan Air Force’s participation in Exercise Spears of Victory-2026 reflects its commitment to regional and international military cooperation and highlights its ability to operate effectively in diverse and demanding operational environments alongside leading contemporary air forces.
