ISLAMABAD — A contingent of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), comprising F-16 Block-52 fighter jets along with skilled air and ground crew, has arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base in Saudi Arabia to participate in the multinational air combat exercise “Spears of Victory 2026,” the military’s media wing said on Sunday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), air forces from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, France, Italy, Greece, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Kingdom and the United States are taking part in the exercise, along with their combat aircraft and support elements.
The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, operational coordination and professional understanding among participating air forces. Key areas of focus include large force employment, night composite air operations, integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and missions conducted in a complex electronic warfare environment.
During the international deployment, PAF fighter aircraft completed a non-stop flight from their home base in Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, demonstrating the air force’s long-range operational reach and expeditionary capability.
ISPR said Pakistani pilots flying the advanced F-16 Block-52 aircraft, equipped with modern avionics and beyond-visual-range capabilities, will participate in both joint and opposing air combat missions alongside pilots from other leading air forces.
PAF’s participation reflects its commitment to regional and international military cooperation and highlights its preparedness to operate effectively in a technology-driven combat environment.

