PARTICIPATION in one of the Middle East’s largest air combat exercises cements Pakistan’s role as a credible coalition partner.
The Saudi-led Spears of Victory 2026 exercise has commenced, with the Royal Saudi Air Force confirming that the drills are underway at the Air Warfare Centre in the Kingdom’s Eastern Region. From January 18 to February 5, the skies, seas and deserts of Saudi Arabia are hosting one of the largest multinational combat exercises ever staged in the Middle East. Pakistan’s F-16 Block-52s are already flying missions alongside allied aircraft, a vivid testament to the growing emphasis on coalition warfare and integrated defence strategies in a region where threats are diverse, complex and constantly evolving.
The Pakistan Air Force contingent, comprising its advanced F-16 Block-52 fighters and a dedicated team of air and ground crew, has arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base to join the exercise. Organized by the Royal Saudi Air Force, Spears of Victory 2026 brings together an impressive roster of participants: Saudi Arabia, France, Italy, Greece, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The drills are designed to test large force employment, night composite air operations, integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and advanced electronic warfare scenarios. For Pakistan, this participation is more than symbolic—it validates its operational preparedness in a demanding multinational environment and demonstrates its ability to operate seamlessly alongside technologically advanced air forces.
For the PAF, the exercise offers invaluable exposure to high-intensity, multi-threat environments. Pilots sharpen their skills in night operations and electronic warfare, experiences that are vital for both defensive and offensive missions. Working shoulder to shoulder with NATO and Gulf air forces enhances communication protocols, tactical coordination and joint mission execution. This interoperability is not merely technical; it is strategic, ensuring Pakistan’s readiness for coalition operations, humanitarian missions and peacekeeping efforts. Pakistan’s presence also underscores its enduring ties with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States, reinforcing defence diplomacy and positioning itself as a credible partner in regional security frameworks.
Deploying the F-16 Block-52s in such a setting showcases Pakistan’s ability to field advanced platforms in multinational theatres. It highlights the professionalism of its crews and bolsters the reputation of the PAF as a disciplined and capable force. At the same time, exercises with the United States, the United Kingdom and France expose Pakistani pilots to cutting-edge tactics and doctrines. The benefits of Pakistan’s participation extend beyond its own air force. Other nations gain exposure to Pakistan’s combat-tested expertise, honed in counterterrorism and high-altitude operations. For countries with limited defence budgets, Pakistan’s cost-effective strategies offer valuable lessons. Its presence adds tactical diversity, strengthens coalition synergy and reassures Gulf States of its commitment to regional stability. Joint operations foster mutual respect and understanding, enriching professional development across diverse air forces and weaving bonds of trust that transcend borders.
The strategic context of the exercise cannot be ignored. The Middle East remains volatile with threats ranging from terrorism to state-level rivalries. Spears of Victory 2026 prepares air forces for multi-domain conflicts where air, cyber and electronic warfare converge. For Pakistan, participation signals its intent to be a responsible stakeholder in regional security. For Saudi Arabia, hosting the exercise enhances its role as a hub of defence cooperation. For Western allies, Pakistan’s inclusion provides an opportunity to evaluate and integrate non-NATO partners into complex operational frameworks.
This exercise reflects a broader global trend: nations increasingly recognize that no single air force can confront modern threats alone. By pooling resources, sharing expertise and rehearsing joint missions, participating states build resilience against challenges that transcend borders. Yet, the geopolitical ripples extend further. The recently signed UAE–India defence pact has drawn attention as a possible counterweight to the growing Saudi–Pakistan partnership. Expanding cooperation in joint training, defence production and maritime security, the pact signals New Delhi’s intent to deepen its footprint in the Gulf while offering Abu Dhabi an alternative axis of collaboration. Observers view this as part of a broader recalibration, where Gulf States diversify their defence ties to balance emerging alignments. The timing of Spears of Victory 2026, unfolding amid these parallel developments, underscores how multinational exercises are not only about operational readiness but also about shaping the evolving geopolitical chessboard of the Middle East and South Asia.
Challenges remain. Operating alongside fifth-generation aircraft such as the F-35 highlights Pakistan’s technological limitations. Sustaining participation requires financial and logistical investment, while geopolitical sensitivities demand careful balancing of ties with Gulf States and Western allies without alienating other partners. Yet, these challenges are also opportunities. Learning from advanced air forces refines doctrines, investing in indigenous research and development strengthens long-term capabilities and credible coalition participation enhances diplomatic leverage. As the Chinese proverb reminds us, “When three march together, one becomes the teacher of the other two.” Spears of Victory embodies this spirit of collective learning.
Pakistan’s participation in Spears of Victory 2026 is more than a military drill—it is a statement of intent. For Pakistan, the exercise enhances operational readiness, interoperability and diplomatic standing. For other air forces, Pakistan’s presence enriches the exercise with combat-tested experience, tactical diversity and regional credibility. In an era where multinational cooperation is essential to counter evolving threats, Pakistan’s role underscores its commitment to collective security and its aspiration to be recognized as a capable, reliable partner on the global stage. By embracing the lessons of collaboration and self-improvement, Pakistan ensures that its air force remains not only relevant but respected in the international arena.
—The writer, Retired Group Captain of PAF, is author of several books on China.
