Pakistan Air Force (PAF) contingent returned to Pakistan after the successful completion of their participation in the multinational aerial combat exercise "Spears of Victory-2025" in Saudi Arabia. Exercise hosted by the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) took place at King Abdul Aziz Air Base and ran from January 26 to February 6, 2025. This year's iteration, the fifth cycle of the exercise saw participation from fighter jets and combat support elements from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bahrain, France, Greece, Qatar, UAE, UK and the US. Seven additional nations – Australia, Egypt, Italy, Jordan, Morocco, South Korea and Spain – participated as observers.
The PAF contingent included JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets along with dedicated air and ground crew. These aircraft flew non-stop from their home base in Pakistan to Saudi Arabia carrying out in-flight air-to-air refueling demonstrating the long-range capabilities of the JF-17 Block-III. During the exercise PAF pilots flying AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) and Extended Range BVR (Beyond Visual Range) equipped JF-17 Thunder jets were pitted against participating air forces equipped with a wide variety of sophisticated combat aircraft. The maneuvers implemented by the Air Warfare Centre focused on addressing current and emerging threats and advancing tactical capabilities. Participating force elements engaged in complex tactical operations designed to accurately simulate threats in an advanced electronic warfare environment. The exercise aimed to enhance combat readiness (especially in electronic warfare), foster the exchange of expertise in planning and implementation and unify the concept of joint military action while promoting joint operational strategies.
Participation of PAF in Spears of Victory-2025 is not only highlights its commitment to regional and international cooperation but also underscores its capabilities and prowess to operate in diverse and challenging environments alongside contemporary air forces. These exercises provides an excellent opportunity to bolster interoperability among the participating air forces in the backdrop of technological advancement increasing complexity in air power application and shared aerial defense challenges. It is expected that the PAF's participation in the exercise will further strengthen existing bilateral defense, military and security relationship between naval, air and armed forces of the participating countries
The PAF contingent included JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets along with dedicated air and ground crew. These aircraft flew non-stop from their home base in Pakistan to Saudi Arabia carrying out in-flight air-to-air refueling demonstrating the long-range capabilities of the JF-17 Block-III. During the exercise PAF pilots flying AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) and Extended Range BVR (Beyond Visual Range) equipped JF-17 Thunder jets were pitted against participating air forces equipped with a wide variety of sophisticated combat aircraft. The maneuvers implemented by the Air Warfare Centre focused on addressing current and emerging threats and advancing tactical capabilities. Participating force elements engaged in complex tactical operations designed to accurately simulate threats in an advanced electronic warfare environment. The exercise aimed to enhance combat readiness (especially in electronic warfare), foster the exchange of expertise in planning and implementation and unify the concept of joint military action while promoting joint operational strategies.
Participation of PAF in Spears of Victory-2025 is not only highlights its commitment to regional and international cooperation but also underscores its capabilities and prowess to operate in diverse and challenging environments alongside contemporary air forces. These exercises provides an excellent opportunity to bolster interoperability among the participating air forces in the backdrop of technological advancement increasing complexity in air power application and shared aerial defense challenges. It is expected that the PAF's participation in the exercise will further strengthen existing bilateral defense, military and security relationship between naval, air and armed forces of the participating countries
