The PAF contingent is participating in the high-profile exhibition along with military delegations from across the world.
Mirage aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force. PHOTO: ARCHIVE
RAWALPINDI:
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) this week demonstrated its growing combat readiness and growing global aerospace footprint, hosting the technologically intensive Exercise Golden Eagle’ at home while also displaying its flagship aircraft at the World Defense Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia, the ISPR said on Tuesday.
Conducted in the Southern Air Command area of ​​responsibility, Exercise Golden Eagle was designed to validate operational agility through synchronized employment of the full combat potential of the PAF, using a two-force construct focused on network-centric and AI-enabled warfare.
The exercise integrated local, disruptive and intelligent technologies in line with the evolution of 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 fighter aircraft armed with long-range beyond-visual-range missiles, extended-range standoff weapons, and precision strike capabilities, supported by airborne early warning and control platforms and air-to-air refueling.
A highlight was Manned Unmanned Teaming, with long-range killer drones and loitering munitions operating in a highly contested, congested and degraded environment, validating the PAF’s ability to conduct high-tempo operations in modern warfare conditions.
While demonstrating combat capability at home, the PAF is also projecting its aerospace ambitions internationally by displaying the JF-17 Thunder Block-III multi-role fighter aircraft and the Super Mushshak basic trainer aircraft at the World Defense Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the PAF contingent is participating in the high-profile exhibition along with global military delegations, defense officials and industry leaders, reinforcing Pakistan’s position as an emerging hub of aerospace innovation and reliable defense solutions. (WITH INPUTS FROM THE NEWS DESK)
