PAF contingent participates in the high-profile exhibition along with global military delegations
Pakistan Air Force Mirage aircraft. PHOTO: FILE
RAWALPINDI:
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) demonstrated its growing combat readiness and expanding global aerospace footprint this week, staging the technology-intensive exercise Golden Eagle at home while simultaneously showcasing its flagship aircraft at the World Defense Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia, ISPR said on Tuesday.
Conducted in Southern Air Command’s area of ​​responsibility, Exercise Golden Eagle was designed to validate operational agility through synchronized deployment of the PAF’s complete combat potential using a Two-Force construct focused on AI-enabled, net-centric warfare.
The exercise integrated indigenous niche, disruptive and smart technologies in line with evolving regional security dynamics, operating within a robust integrated air defense system that merged kinetic operations with cyber, space and electromagnetic spectrum operations.
The kinetic phase featured First-Shoot, First-Kill swing-role combat aircraft armed with long-range beyond-visual-range missiles, extended-range stand-off weapons and precision strike capabilities, supported by Airborne Early Warning and Control platforms and Air-to-Air Refuellers.
A key highlight was Manned Unmanned Teaming, with deep-dive killer drones and loitering munitions operating in a highly contested, congested and degraded environment, validating the PAF’s ability to conduct high-tempo operations under modern warfare conditions.
While demonstrating combat capability at home, the PAF is also projecting its aerospace ambitions internationally by showcasing the JF-17 Thunder Block-III multi-role fighter and Super Mushshak basic trainer aircraft at the World Defense Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the PAF contingent is participating in the high-profile exhibition along with global military delegations, defense leaders and industry leaders, strengthening Pakistan’s position as a budding hub for aerospace innovation and reliable defense solutions. (WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)
