Riyadh, January 21 - The Pakistan Air Force has deployed its advanced F-16 Block-52 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia for participation in the multinational aerial combat exercise Spears of Victory-2026, a major international drill hosted at King Abdulaziz Air Base. This deployment underscores the PAF's commitment to enhancing regional security cooperation and operational synergy with allied air forces. The contingent, comprising frontline F-16 Block-52 aircraft along with dedicated air and ground crew, arrived after completing a non-stop flight from Pakistan, showcasing the force's impressive long-range operational reach and expeditionary capabilities in demanding environments.
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. Participants will engage in complex air combat scenarios, with PAF pilots flying their highly capable F-16 Block-52 jets—equipped with cutting-edge avionics and beyond-visual-range weapons—against a diverse array of sophisticated aircraft operated by partner nations. This collaborative training environment allows aircrews to refine tactics, improve coordination, and validate readiness in contested, technology-driven battlespaces.
Spears of Victory-2026 serves as a vital platform for strengthening interoperability among participating air forces while fostering mutual understanding and professional excellence. The inclusion of Pakistan's advanced F-16 Block-52 fleet highlights the PAF's proven ability to operate seamlessly alongside leading contemporary air powers, contributing to shared objectives in air combat proficiency and defense collaboration.
Through this engagement, the Pakistan Air Force reaffirms its dedication to international military partnerships and its capacity to project power effectively on a global stage. The exercise not only bolsters combat readiness but also reinforces longstanding defense ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia amid evolving regional dynamics.