Pakistan Air Force F-16s arrive in Saudi Arabia for ‘Spears of Victory’ combat exercise

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) contingent comprising F-16 Block-52 fighter aircraft, alongside dedicated air and ground crew, has arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to participate in the multinational aerial combat Exercise Spears of Victory-2026, the military’s media wing said on Monday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the exercise is witnessing the participation of fighter jets and combat support elements from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, France, Italy, Greece, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

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“It offers a robust platform to enhance interoperability, operational synergy, mutual understanding and capacity building among participating Air Forces, particularly in large force employment, night composite air operations, integrated ISR, and operations in advanced electronic warfare environments,” the ISPR said.

It said through participation in this multinational forum, the Pakistan Air Force seeks to enhance interoperability with partner air forces, and validate its operational preparedness in a contested, technology-driven battlespace.

“For this international deployment, PAF fighter aircraft undertook a non-stop flight from their home base in Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, demonstrating the long-range operational reach and expeditionary capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force.

“During the conduct of the exercise, PAF pilots flying advanced F-16 Block-52 aircraft equipped with modern avionics and Beyond Visual Range capabilities will be pitched against aircrew of participating Air Forces operating a wide array of sophisticated combat aircraft.”

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Participation of Pakistan Air Force contingent in Exercise Spears of Victory-2026 not only reflects PAF’s firm commitment to regional and international military cooperation, but also underscores its professional excellence and proven capability to operate effectively in diverse and demanding operational environments alongside leading contemporary air forces, it said.

The 13th Pakistan–United States bilateral joint exercise, Inspired Gambit–2026, commenced earlier this month at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Pabbi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The two-week training programme focused on Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations, featuring professional contingents from the armies of Pakistan and the United States, the military’s media wing said on January 10.

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The ISPR had said officials from both sides attended the opening ceremony.

“The exercise is aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and interoperability through the sharing of counter-terrorism experiences, while further refining tactics, techniques, and procedures essential for effective CT operations. Emphasis is being laid on marksmanship skills during urban warfare, as well as on understanding each other’s operational doctrines and best practices,” the ISPR had said.