ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Indonesia have commenced the inaugural edition oftheir bilateral military exercise, Shaheen Strike 2, focused oncounter-terrorism operations. Scheduled from November 8 to 19, the drillinvolves air forces from both nations engaging in simulated scenarios toenhance interoperability and rapid response capabilities. Held at a securetraining facility in Punjab, the exercise underscores the deepening defenseties between the two Muslim-majority countries, aiming to address evolvingtransnational threats.
The exercise features advanced aerial tactics, including joint surveillancemissions, precision strikes, and hostage rescue simulations. Pakistani F-16fighters and Indonesian Su-27 jets are participating, supported by groundcrews exchanging expertise in intelligence sharing and logistics. Officialsfrom both sides emphasize that Shaheen Strike 2 builds on previousdiplomatic engagements, fostering mutual trust and operational synergy inthe face of global extremism challenges.
Indonesian Air Force Chief Marshal TNI Yudo Margono highlighted theexercise’s role in strengthening ASEAN-South Asia security architecture.His Pakistani counterpart, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu,noted that such collaborations deter potential aggressors and promotestability in the Indo-Pacific region. Over 200 personnel are involved, withsessions incorporating drone technology and cyber defense elements tosimulate modern warfare dynamics.
As the exercise concludes today, preliminary assessments indicate highsuccess in achieving tactical objectives. Both nations plan toinstitutionalize annual drills, potentially expanding to naval and groundcomponents. This initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy todiversify military partnerships beyond traditional allies, while Indonesiaseeks to amplify its counter-terrorism footprint amid rising SoutheastAsian insurgencies.
The joint endeavor arrives at a pivotal moment, with recent intelligencereports signaling heightened militant activities along shared maritimeborders. By pooling resources, Pakistan and Indonesia aim to create arobust deterrence framework, ensuring swift collective action againstterror networks. Experts view Shaheen Strike 2 as a testament to pragmaticdiplomacy, transcending geopolitical divides for shared securityimperatives.
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Source:www.dawn.com/news/1771234/pakistan-indonesia-joint-exercise-shaheen-strike-2″>https://www.dawn.com/news/1771234/pakistan-indonesia-joint-exercise-shaheen-strike-2
Source: www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=6789″>https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=6789
