DHAHRAN, Monday, January 19, 2026 (WNP): A contingent of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), comprising F-16 Block-52 fighter aircraft along with specialized air and ground crew, has arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the multinational aerial combat exercise “Spears of Victory-2026.”
THE LARGE-SCALE 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, PROVIDING A HIGH-INTENSITY OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT FOR JOINT TRAINING AMONG LEADING AIR FORCES.
According to PAF officials, the exercise is designed to enhance interoperability, operational synergy, and mutual understanding among participating forces, with a particular focus on large force employment, night composite air operations, integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and missions conducted in advanced electronic warfare environments.
As part of its deployment, PAF fighter aircraft conducted a non-stop flight from their home base in Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, demonstrating the Air Force’s long-range operational reach and expeditionary capability. During the exercise, PAF pilots flying advanced F-16 Block-52 aircraft, equipped with modern avionics and beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat capabilities, will operate alongside and against aircrews from partner air forces flying a diverse array of sophisticated combat platforms.
PAF officials said participation in Exercise Spears of Victory-2026 provides an opportunity to validate operational preparedness in a contested, technology-driven battlespace, while strengthening cooperation with regional and international partners.
The participation underscores Pakistan Air Force’s commitment to international military collaboration, as well as its professional excellence and proven ability to operate effectively in complex and demanding operational environments alongside some of the world’s most advanced air forces.
