A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) contingent comprising F-16 Block 52 fighter jets along with air and ground personnel has reached at King Abdulaziz Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
According to the PAF spokesperson, the contingent will participate in the multinational air combat exercise Spires of Victory 2026. The exercise includes air forces from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, France, Italy, Greece, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The exercise provides a strong platform for enhancing interoperability, operational coordination, professional insight, and capability among participating air forces. It focuses on large-scale air deployments, night-time air operations, integrated ISR, and operations in advanced electronic warfare environments.
Participation in this multinational forum allows the PAF to strengthen cooperation with partner air forces while testing its operational readiness in a technology-intensive combat environment.
For this international deployment, PAF fighter jets flew non-stop from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, demonstrating the Air Force’s long-range operational reach and combat capabilities.
During the exercise, PAF pilots flying F-16 Block 52 aircraft equipped with modern avionics and BVR (Beyond Visual Range) capabilities will operate alongside counterparts from partner air forces using various advanced fighter jets.
PAF’s participation in Spires of Victory 2026 reflects its strong commitment to regional and international military cooperation. It also highlights the Air Force’s professional expertise and proven ability to operate effectively alongside leading contemporary air forces in diverse operational environments.