Pakistan is enhancing its air power through multinational exercises with key allies such as China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. These drills act as force multipliers for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), integrating advanced fighter jets like the J-10C and JF-17 Block III to refine joint combat tactics. They also promote defence industry collaboration, boosting the PAF’s operational strength while elevating Pakistan’s profile as a security partner. Such initiatives are vital for stability in an increasingly volatile region.
Joint Air Drills Expand Pakistan’s Regional Defense Reach
Joint exercises also serve as tools of diplomacy, strengthening Pakistan’s defence ties and creating a security arc from the Mediterranean to the Arabian Sea. This strategy was evident in Indus Shield 2024, which brought together Turkey’s F-16s, Saudi Arabia’s Tornados, and Egypt’s Mirage 2000s on Pakistani soil. The drills improved coordination in complex air operations and sent a clear signal of collective resolve against regional threats. Personally overseen by Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, the exercise highlighted its importance for national defence. Similarly, the Bright Star exercise in Egypt extends the PAF’s reach into the Middle East and North Africa, where Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunders train with regional allies to counter multi-domain challenges. These exercises expose PAF pilots to diverse combat tactics and provide valuable insights into Western aircraft operated by partners—knowledge that is critical for addressing regional adversaries.
Source: The Express Tribune
Expanding Global Air Partnerships: Pakistan’s Strategic Outreach
Pakistan is extending its air diplomacy beyond the region, strengthening old alliances and building new ones with emerging powers. A key example is the Shaheen-X exercise with China, held in northwest China, which showcased integration of systems like PL-15 missiles and AEW&C aircraft. The drill enhanced Pakistan’s ability to conduct long-range strikes and coordinate complex kill chains—capabilities later demonstrated in the 2025 conflict with India, where Pakistani radars, J-10Cs, and early warning aircraft combined to neutralize India’s advanced Rafale jets.
Source: X/@DGPR_PAF
In 2025, Air Chief Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu revived defence dialogue with a landmark visit to the United States—the first by a PAF Chief in over a decade. Discussions with Pentagon and State Department officials focused on technology exchange and joint training. The outreach followed Pakistan’s successful use of Chinese systems in combat, positioning the country as a strategic security player while opening doors to advanced aerospace technologies through multiple partners.
| Exercise Name | Participating Nations | PAF Assets Deployed | Primary Objectives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indus Shield 2024 | Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt | J-10C, JF-17 | Enhance interoperability with Gulf allies; counter regional threats |
| Shaheen-X | China | J-10C, JF-17 Block III | Integrate Chinese avionics/weapons; long-range strike drills |
| Bright Star | Egypt + Arab partners | J-10C, JF-17 | Power projection in MENA: multi-domain warfare |
| Zilzal-II | Qatar | J-10C | Tactical testing against Rafale jets |
| Red Flag | US/NATO allies | F-16s (Historic) | Access Western tactics/technology |
From Training Grounds to Combat Edge: Pakistan’s Tactical and Technological Gains
Joint exercises serve as testing grounds for new platforms and tactics under near-real combat conditions. The J-10C illustrates this approach, deployed for international missions only months after induction, reflecting rapid modernization under Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. Drills such as Zilzal-II with Qatar provided insights that later enabled Pakistan to counter India’s Rafales in 2025. The PAF has also integrated Turkish electronic warfare systems and Chinese AEW&C aircraft during exercises, strengthening its networked warfare capabilities. These collaborations deliver cost-effective upgrades and tactical advantages that are now translating into real-world combat effectiveness.
Industrial Gains and Strategic Self-Reliance: Building Sovereignty Through Collaboration
Bilateral exercises extend beyond tactical benefits, driving industrial growth and strategic self-reliance. Pakistan’s defence exports, particularly the JF-17 Block III, have earned global recognition after proving their capabilities in international drills. This success led Azerbaijan to sign a $1.6 billion deal, later expanded in June 2025 to a $4.6 billion contract for 40 aircraft, along with weapons packages and training support. The agreement reflects the “Three Brothers” partnership among Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. Such collaborations mark a turning point for Pakistan’s defence industry, where joint development of advanced systems—ranging from airborne missiles to drone swarms—is shifting the country from an importer to a co-producer of next-generation aerial technologies.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s joint air exercises are more than symbolic; they serve as deliberate instruments of national power. These drills test new technologies in realistic conditions, enhance interoperability with allies, and foster industrial partnerships that sustain long-term defence growth. The Pakistan Air Force has turned such engagements into pillars of an affordable yet credible deterrent. As regional threats evolve, Pakistan’s aerial alliances—grounded in mutual respect and shared security interests—will remain central to preserving stability through strength.
