PAF F-16s Land in Saudi Arabia for “Spears of Victory” Drills

A high-performance contingent of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base in Saudi Arabia to participate in the multinational air combat exercise, Spears of Victory-2026. The deployment, featuring advanced F-16 Block-52 fighter jets along with dedicated ground and air crews, was confirmed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Demonstrating significant expeditionary reach, the Pakistani jets completed a grueling non-stop flight from their home base to the Kingdom, supported by IL-78 multi-role tanker transports for mid-air refueling.

The exercise, which runs through February 5, is one of the region’s most complex aerial forums. It brings together air forces from ten nations, including the US, UK, France, Greece, Italy, and several Gulf allies. PAF pilots will engage in “large force employment” and night composite operations, testing their Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capabilities and electronic warfare tactics against a diverse array of Western and regional platforms. The ISPR stated that the mission aims to validate the PAF’s “operational preparedness in a contested, technology-driven battlespace.”

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This deployment underscores the deepening defense ties between Islamabad and Riyadh, following the 2025 Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement. Military analysts suggest that participating in such high-fidelity environments allows the PAF to refine its doctrines alongside NATO-standard forces. As regional tensions persist, the “Spears of Victory” drills serve as a critical laboratory for harmonizing coalition tactics and enhancing the “operational synergy” required for modern, multi-domain warfare.

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