.
Pakistan Air Force’s Mirage aircraft. PHOTO: FILE
RAWALPINDI:
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) demonstrated its expanding combat readiness and growing global aerospace footprint this week, staging the technologically intensive Exercise Golden Eagle’ at home while simultaneously showcasing its flagship aircraft at the World Defence Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia, the ISPR said on Tuesday.
Conducted in the Southern Air Command’s area of responsibility, Exercise Golden Eagle was designed to validate operational agility through synchronised employment of the PAF’s complete combat potential, using a Two-Force construct focused on AI-enabled, net-centric warfare.
The exercise integrated indigenous niche, disruptive and smart technologies in line with evolving regional security dynamics, operating within a robust Integrated Air Defence System that fused kinetic operations with cyber, space and Electro-Magnetic Spectrum Operations.
The kinetic phase featured First-Shoot, First-Kill swing-role combat aircraft armed with long-range beyond-visual-range missiles, extended-range stand-off weapons and precision strike capabilities, supported by Airborne Early Warning and Control platforms and Air-to-Air Refuellers.
A key highlight was MannedUnmanned Teaming, with deep-reach killer drones and loitering munitions operating in a highly contested, congested and degraded environment, validating the PAF’s ability to conduct high-tempo operations under modern warfare conditions.
While demonstrating combat capability at home, the PAF is also projecting its aerospace ambitions internationally by showcasing the JF-17 Thunder Block-III multi-role fighter jet and Super Mushshak basic trainer aircraft at the World Defence Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the PAF contingent is participating in the high-profile exhibition alongside global military delegations, defence officials and industry leaders, reinforcing Pakistan’s position as an emerging hub of aerospace innovation and reliable defence solutions. (WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)
