Riyadh, January 18 2026 (Khyber Mail) – A Pakistan Air Force contingent comprising F-16 Block-52 fighter aircraft along with dedicated air and ground crew has arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the multinational aerial combat exercise Spears of Victory 2026.
The exercise brings together fighter jets and combat support elements from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, France, Italy, Greece, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Kingdom and the United States. It is designed to provide a robust platform for enhancing interoperability, operational synergy, mutual understanding and capacity building among the participating air forces.
According to officials, the exercise focuses on advanced aspects of modern air warfare, including large force employment, night composite air operations, integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, and operations in complex electronic warfare environments.
Through participation in this multinational forum, the Pakistan Air Force aims to further strengthen interoperability with partner air forces and validate its operational preparedness in a contested, technology-driven battlespace. Demonstrating its long-range operational reach and expeditionary capability, PAF fighter aircraft undertook a non-stop flight from their home base in Pakistan to Saudi Arabia for this international deployment.
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 nations flying a diverse range of sophisticated combat aircraft.
Officials said that Pakistan Air Force participation in Exercise Spears of Victory 2026 reflects its firm commitment to regional and international military cooperation and underscores its professional excellence and proven ability to operate effectively in demanding operational environments alongside leading contemporary air forces.