PAF showcases air prowess at World Defence Show

A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) contingent is participating in the World Defence Show - 2026 in Saudi Arabia, featuring its cutting-edge JF-17 Thunder Block-III Multi-role fighter jet and the highly acclaimed Super Mushshak basic trainer aircraft.

The World Defence Show - 2026 serves as a premier global platform for defence and security. PAF’s participation at WDS-2026 reinforces Pakistan’s position as an emerging hub of aerospace innovation, operational competence and reliable defence solutions, the military’s media wing said.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the participation underscores PAF’s commitment to showcasing Pakistan’s rapidly advancing indigenous aerospace capabilities and its proven operational excellence.

“The JF-17 Block-III, representing the pinnacle of Pakistan’s combat aviation technology, features state-of-the-art avionics, an advanced AESA radar, enhanced electronic warfare suite and beyond-visual-range combat capabilities, making it a formidable 4.5 generation fighter jet addressing the operational needs of modern air forces,” the ISPR said.

Alongside it, the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft highlights Pakistan’s strength in pilot training solutions. Renowned for its reliability, cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance, the Super Mushshak has been successfully inducted by several friendly countries and continues to serve as a benchmark platform for basic flying training worldwide, it said.

PAF’s presence at WDS-2026, the ISPR said, reflects its leadership’s vision of fostering defence cooperation, promoting defence exports and strengthening strategic partnerships with friendly nations.

“The exhibition provides an opportunity for international delegations, defence officials and military industry leaders to engage with PAF representatives and explore avenues for collaboration, training and technology transfer,” it maintained.

19 countries participate in Pakistan Army Team Spirit Competition

Meanwhile, the 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition successfully concluded at Kharian, the ISPR said.

The Team Spirit Competition is a 60-hour long patrolling exercise, designed to enhance professional military skills through the exchange of innovative ideas, tactical experiences and best practices among participating teams.

This year the competition featured wide ranging participation from 19 countries including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkiye, United States of America and Uzbekistan and Indonesia.

Myanmar and Thailand attended the exercise as observers. Sixteen domestic teams from the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy, along with observers from the Pakistan Air Force also participated in the event.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir commended all participating teams for their exceptional professionalism, physical and mental endurance, operational competence and high morale displayed during the exercise.

He emphasised the importance of such multinational engagements in enhancing collective preparedness and adapting to the evolving character of modern warfare.

Reaffirming the core values of the Pakistan Army, Field Marshal Munir underscored the enduring soldiery attributes of “character, courage and competence”, which have been consistently demonstrated by Pakistani soldiers, particularly in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

CDF Munir presented awards to the outstanding participants of the competition.

The army chief also witnessed miscellaneous training activities at the National Counter Terrorism Centre Pabbi including a visit to newly established Tactical Simulator. He lauded the efforts of troops and technical team and emphasised the importance of simulator-based training to complement traditional training methods.