Pakistan Air Force joins multinational forces in Saudi Arabia for Spears of Victory 2026, showcasing F-16 Block 52 capabilities in advanced warfare scenarios.
A Pakistan Air Force contingent arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base in Saudi Arabia on January 19, 2026, to participate in the multinational aerial combat exercise Spears of Victory 2026. The event, hosted by the Royal Saudi Air Force, involves fighter jets from 10 countries and runs from January 18 to February 5. It focuses on enhancing interoperability amid regional security challenges.
The arrival marks a key step in strengthening defence ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. In South Asia, such exercises bolster Pakistan’s strategic partnerships, contributing to regional stability through shared military expertise and joint operations against emerging threats.
PAF Saudi Arabia Exercise Begins
The Pakistan Air Force contingent Saudi Arabia deployment includes F-16 Block 52 fighter aircraft, air crew and ground support. They completed a non-stop flight from a base in Pakistan, demonstrating long-range capabilities.
The ISPR stated: “The exercise is witnessing the participation of fighter jets and combat support elements from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, France, Italy, Greece, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.”
Spears of Victory 2026 offers platforms for large force employment, night operations, integrated intelligence surveillance reconnaissance and electronic warfare. PAF pilots will engage with diverse aircraft, testing skills in contested environments.
Major General Mohammed bin Ali Al-Omari, commander of the Air Warfare Center, said the drill aims to raise combat readiness, standardise planning and unify joint actions among forces.
The F-16 Block 52 Saudi exercise component highlights Pakistan’s advanced avionics and beyond visual range weapons. This pits PAF assets against sophisticated platforms from allies.
Background
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain deep military cooperation. In September 2025, they signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, treating attacks on one as aggression against both.
Ties include joint training, equipment sharing and personnel exchanges. Saudi Arabia provides financial aid and oil to Pakistan, valued at billions in recent years.
Spears of Victory exercises started in 2020 as annual events led by the Royal Saudi Air Force. Past iterations focused on joint operations in electronic warfare settings.
For 2026, the event expands to include multiple Saudi branches: armed forces, Ministry of National Guard, Presidency of State Security and GCC Unified Military Command.
Participation reflects Pakistan’s commitment to international forums. The PAF Saudi Arabia exercise builds on prior collaborations, such as joint drills in 2023 and 2024.
The Air Warfare Center in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region hosts the activities. It provides advanced facilities for simulating real combat conditions.
Regional context involves Gulf security dynamics. Qatar, Bahrain and Jordan contribute, enhancing GCC cohesion.
Pakistan’s involvement underscores its role in Middle East stability, vital for South Asian diaspora and economic links. Over 2 million Pakistanis work in Saudi Arabia, remitting PKR 1.5 trillion annually.
The exercise addresses threats like drone attacks and cyber intrusions in air domains.
Exercise Details and Objectives
Spears of Victory 2026 emphasises multi-domain integration. Activities include air-to-air combat, ground support simulations and reconnaissance missions.
The ISPR noted: “It offers a robust platform to enhance interoperability, operational synergy, mutual understanding and capacity building among participating air forces, particularly in large force employment, night composite air operations, integrated ISR and operations in advanced electronic warfare environments.”
Through the PAF Saudi Arabia exercise, Pakistan validates its preparedness in technology-driven battlespaces.
The Pakistan Air Force contingent Saudi Arabia team operates alongside RSAF F-15s and Typhoons from UK and Italy.
Training scenarios cover electronic countermeasures, vital for modern conflicts.
The F-16 Block 52 Saudi exercise allows PAF to demonstrate expeditionary skills. The non-stop ferry flight covered over 2,000 kilometres without refuelling stops.
Participating nations bring varied assets: France with Rafales, USA with F-15s or F-16s, Greece with F-16s.
This diversity fosters knowledge exchange. PAF gains insights into NATO-standard procedures.
For Saudi Arabia, hosting Spears of Victory 2026 reinforces its leadership in regional defence.
The event’s scale involves over 50 aircraft and 1,000 personnel, based on similar past drills.
Objectives align with Saudi Vision 2030 defence goals, promoting localisation and partnerships.
Pakistan benefits through enhanced pilot training and maintenance expertise.
Regional Implications for South Asia
In South Asia, Spears of Victory 2026 holds significance for Pakistan’s defence posture. It counters balances with India’s air force expansions.
Bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia provide strategic depth. Joint exercises like this deter potential aggressions.
Economic spillovers include potential defence deals. Pakistan exports JF-17s; F-16 Block 52 showcases upgrade paths.
The Pakistan Air Force contingent Saudi Arabia participation signals readiness for coalition operations.
South Asian observers note the exercise’s role in counter-terrorism training, relevant to Afghan border issues.
GCC involvement ties into broader Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, where Pakistan contributes.
What’s Next
Future phases of Spears of Victory 2026 include live-fire elements and debriefs through February 5.
Post-exercise, PAF may engage in bilateral talks with RSAF on further cooperation.
Analysts expect annual iterations to grow, possibly including more South Asian nations.
The PAF Saudi Arabia exercise outcomes could inform Pakistan’s air doctrine updates.
Pakistan aims to host similar multinational drills domestically.
The F-16 Block 52 Saudi exercise sets precedents for long-range deployments.
Spears of Victory 2026 concludes with evaluations, strengthening alliances for future challenges.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 20th, 2026
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