ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force has deployed its advanced F-16 Block 52fighter jets to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking a significantcontribution to the ongoing Spears of Victory 2026 multinational militaryexercise. This deployment, which commenced on January 18, underscoresPakistan’s commitment to regional security cooperation and interoperabilitywith key allies. As one of the largest air warfare drills in the MiddleEast, the exercise has drawn widespread attention amid rising geopoliticaltensions, raising questions about the evolving dynamics of defensepartnerships in the Gulf region. The participation of Pakistan’s F-16salongside American, Qatari, and Bahraini forces highlights a shared focuson enhancing combat readiness against complex modern threats.
The Spears of Victory 2026 exercise, hosted by the Royal Saudi Air Force atthe Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region, runs from January 18 toFebruary 5. Official announcements confirm broad regional and internationalinvolvement, aimed at fostering joint operational integration and theexchange of expertise in air combat planning and execution. This annualevent has grown in scale over recent years, evolving into a platform forsimulating realistic scenarios in advanced electronic warfare environments.The inclusion of Pakistan’s F-16s this year represents a shift fromprevious iterations, where the Pakistan Air Force often contributed JF-17Thunder aircraft, reflecting strategic decisions to showcase specificcapabilities in multinational settings.
Pakistan’s F-16 Block 52 jets, operated by squadrons such as the No. 5Falcons, arrived in Saudi Arabia amid visible deployments documentedthrough defense monitoring channels. These aircraft, equipped with advancedavionics and weaponry, enable high-performance missions that align with theexercise’s objectives of unifying tactical concepts among participatingforces. The deployment demonstrates the Pakistan Air Force’s long-rangeoperational reach, supported by in-flight refueling capabilities, andreinforces longstanding defense ties between Islamabad and Riyadh. Suchcollaborations have historically included training exchanges that benefitboth nations in addressing shared security challenges.
The United States continues to play a prominent role in the exercise,contributing F-16 fighters and supporting assets like KC-135 tankers. Thisparticipation aligns with broader U.S.-Pakistan military re-engagement, asevidenced by recent approvals for F-16 upgrade packages. Qatar has deployedEurofighter Typhoons, while Bahrain contributes its own F-16 variants,creating a diverse fleet of fourth-generation fighters. Additional nations,including Greece and France with Rafale jets, the United Kingdom withTyphoons, and Saudi Arabia’s F-15s, add to the multinational composition.Observer countries further expand the exercise’s diplomatic reach,promoting collective approaches to air power employment.
Defense analysts note that Spears of Victory serves as a critical mechanismfor building interoperability in an era of evolving threats, includingdrone warfare and electronic countermeasures. Past editions have involvedover 70 aircraft from up to 15 nations, with complex packages simulatingpeer-level engagements. The current iteration builds on this foundation,emphasizing enhanced coordination in defensive and offensive counter-airoperations. Pakistan’s involvement strengthens bilateral relations withSaudi Arabia, rooted in historical military cooperation and mutualinterests in Gulf stability. The exercise also provides opportunities forPakistani pilots to gain exposure to diverse tactics and technologies.
The deployment carries implications for regional balance, as it occursagainst a backdrop of shifting alliances and security concerns in theMiddle East. By contributing advanced assets like the F-16, Pakistansignals its readiness to support allied operations while advancing its ownoperational proficiency. This engagement complements other bilateralexercises and underscores the importance of sustained military diplomacy.As the drill progresses, outcomes are expected to inform future jointinitiatives, potentially expanding cooperation in training and technologysharing.
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Overall, the participation of Pakistan’s F-16s in Spears of Victory 2026exemplifies a strategic investment in multinational readiness. Ithighlights the value of collaborative frameworks in addressing contemporarydefense requirements, fostering trust among partner nations. The exerciseremains a cornerstone of air power development in the region, with lastingbenefits for all involved forces.
Source:https://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5230511-saudi-arabia-host-multinational-%E2%80%98spears-victory-2026%E2%80%99-military-exercise
Force, United States Air Force
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