PAF fighter jets reach Saudi Arabia for multinational Air Exercise

Riyadh -UNS: A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) contingent, comprising F-16 Block-52 fighter aircraft along with air and ground crew, has arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base in Saudi Arabia to participate in the multinational aerial combat exercise “Spears of Victory-2026,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday.
According to the military’s media wing, the exercise includes fighter jets and combat support elements from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, France, Italy, Greece, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The ISPR said the exercise provides a comprehensive platform to enhance interoperability, operational synergy and mutual understanding among participating air forces. It focuses on large force employment, night composite air operations, integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and operations in advanced electronic warfare environments.
Through participation in the exercise, the PAF aims to strengthen cooperation with partner air forces and validate its operational readiness in a contested, technology-driven battlespace.
The ISPR highlighted that PAF fighter aircraft undertook a non-stop flight from their home base in Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, demonstrating the air force’s long-range operational reach and expeditionary capabilities.
During the exercise, PAF pilots flying advanced F-16 Block-52 aircraft equipped with modern avionics and beyond-visual-range capabilities will operate alongside and against aircrew from participating countries flying a variety of sophisticated combat aircraft.
The ISPR said the PAF’s participation in Exercise Spears of Victory-2026 reflects its commitment to regional and international military cooperation and underscores its professional excellence and ability to operate effectively in diverse and demanding operational environments.