ISLAMABAD: The recent conclusion of the multinational military exerciseRamah Al-Nasr, also known as Spears of Victory 2025, hosted by Saudi Arabiahas emerged as a significant development in regional air power dynamics.This large-scale drill, held at the Air Warfare Center in Dhahran from lateJanuary to early February 2025, brought together air forces from multiplenations, allowing the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to engage directly withsophisticated platforms including the French Rafale. Military analysts viewthis participation as a strategic opportunity for Pakistan to refine itsoperational concepts against a fighter that forms the cornerstone of theIndian Air Force’s modernization efforts.
The exercise involved 15 countries, with active participation from eightnations including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, France, Greece, Qatar, the UnitedArab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Pakistan. Over 70aircraft were deployed in complex scenarios simulating advanced electronicwarfare environments and multi-domain threats. The Royal Saudi Air Forcecontributed its F-15 variants, Eurofighter Typhoons, and Tornados, whileQatar and France fielded Rafale jets. This setup created realistic trainingconditions where diverse fighter technologies interacted in joint airoperations.
Pakistan deployed its JF-17 Block III aircraft, equipped with activeelectronically scanned array radars and extended-range beyond-visual-rangemissiles, demonstrating impressive long-range deployment capabilitiesthrough non-stop flights with air-to-air refueling. Although reportsprimarily highlight the JF-17’s involvement, the exercise’s structureallowed PAF pilots to observe and analyze tactics employed byRafale-equipped forces. Such exposure is invaluable for developingcountermeasures, as the Rafale features advanced avionics, sensor fusion,and electronic warfare systems that pose challenges in potential aerialengagements.
The presence of Qatari Rafales and French Rafales in the drills provided arare chance to study the aircraft’s performance in multinational settings.Participants focused on unifying concepts for joint air operations,exchanging expertise, and enhancing interoperability across Gulf, Arab, andfriendly nations. For the PAF, this interaction directly contributes tobuilding institutional knowledge about the Rafale’s radar cross-sectionmanagement, missile capabilities, and mission planning, elements criticalfor future planning in contested airspace.
Observers note that India’s acquisition and deployment of Rafale jets havebeen a focal point of regional military balancing. The Indian Air Force hasintegrated the Rafale as a key multi-role platform, with expectations ofsuperior performance in air superiority and strike missions. However,Pakistan’s consistent engagement in exercises featuring this aircraft,including previous drills with Qatar, allows for continuous adaptation. TheSpears of Victory series has thus become an indirect avenue for the PAF tostay updated on real-world Rafale operations without direct confrontation.
The exercise underscored Saudi Arabia’s role as a hub for advanced militarycollaboration in the Middle East. By inviting diverse partners, Riyadh aimsto strengthen alliances, improve combat readiness, and address emergingthreats through shared training. Pakistan’s involvement reflects deepeningdefence ties with the Kingdom, built on historical cooperation and mutualinterests in regional stability. Such partnerships extend beyond bilateralrelations, offering platforms for technology familiarization that benefitsmaller air forces in asymmetric scenarios.
Data from the drills indicate high levels of professionalism, withscenarios incorporating electronic warfare, tactical coordination, andthreat simulation. The PAF contingent’s successful execution of long-rangemissions highlighted operational maturity, while interactions with Westernand French platforms enriched tactical understanding. This exposure isparticularly timely given evolving air warfare trends, where sensorintegration and network-centric operations dominate.
Regional implications are profound, as nations monitor each other’spreparedness. The exercise’s focus on multi-domain environments preparesforces for hybrid threats, fostering unified responses. For Pakistan, theknowledge gained on Rafale systems strengthens deterrence posture andoperational planning, contributing to strategic balance in South Asia.
The successful conclusion of Ramah Al-Nasr 2025 reinforces the importanceof multinational exercises in modern defence strategies. As air forcesevolve, such collaborative platforms remain essential for maintainingreadiness and adapting to advanced technologies.
Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2587724/saudi-arabia
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