ISLAMABAD: A contingent of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), featuring state-of-the-art JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets, has arrived in Azerbaijan to participate in the multinational aerial combat exercise Indus Shield Alpha, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the deployment demonstrated PAF’s advanced operational reach, with fighter jets completing a non-stop flight from Pakistan to Azerbaijan through flawless in-flight refuelling carried out by PAF’s IL-78 aerial tanker.
The exercise, ISPR said, aims to enhance mutual understanding, tactical coordination, and interoperability between the two “brotherly air forces” through joint mission planning, modern aerial warfare tactics, and live operational scenarios.
“The participation of PAF contingent reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability and international military cooperation,” the statement added, noting that the exercise will also strengthen collaborative responses to emerging air defence challenges.
