PARTICIPATION in one of the Middle East’s largest air combat exercises cements Pakistan’s role as a credible coalition partner.

The Saudi-led Spears of Victory 2026 exercise has commenced, with the Royal Saudi Air Force confirming that the drills are underway at the Air Warfare Centre in the Kingdom’s Eastern Region. From January 18 to February 5, the skies, seas and deserts of Saudi Arabia are hosting one of the largest multinational combat exercises ever staged in the Middle East. Pakistan’s F-16 Block-52s are already flying missions alongside allied aircraft, a vivid testament to the growing emphasis on coalition warfare and integrated defence strategies in a region where threats are diverse, complex and constantly evolving.

The Pakistan Air Force contingent, comprising its advanced F-16 Block-52 fighters and a dedicated team of air and ground crew, has arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base to join the exercise. Organized by the Royal Saudi Air Force, Spears of Victory 2026 brings together an impressive roster of participants: Saudi Arabia, France, Italy, Greece, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The drills are designed to test large force employment, night composite air operations, integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and advanced electronic warfare scenarios. For Pakistan, this participation is more than symbolic—it validates its operational preparedness in a demanding multinational environment and demonstrates its ability to operate seamlessly alongside technologically advanced air forces.

For the PAF, the exercise offers invaluable exposure to high-intensity, multi-threat........

© Pakistan Observer