Pakistan Air Force Showcases Combat Readiness in Southern Zone

 Pakistan Air Force (PAF) successfully conducted Exercise Golden Eagle within the area of responsibility of the Southern Air Command, demonstrating a synchronized and comprehensive employment of its full combat potential. The exercise highlighted PAF’s high level of battle readiness, operational agility, and ability to conduct complex, modern air operations.

The primary objective of the exercise was to further enhance PAF’s operational capabilities through an AI-enabled, net-centric training framework, integrating advanced, disruptive, and indigenously developed smart technologies. In line with evolving regional security dynamics, the exercise was planned and executed on a Two-Force construct, in which friendly forces shaped the battlespace while operating within a robust Integrated Air Defence System. Mission objectives were achieved through the seamless integration of kinetic capabilities along with coordinated operations across the cyber, space, and electromagnetic spectrum domains.

The kinetic phase featured first-shoot, first-kill swing-role combat aircraft equipped with long-range beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, extended-range air-to-ground stand-off weapons, and advanced precision-strike capabilities. These missions were fully supported by force multipliers, including air-to-air refuellers and airborne early warning and control systems, enabling accurate and effective engagement of adversary centres of gravity.

A key highlight of Exercise Golden Eagle was the demonstration of manned–unmanned teaming, achieved through the effective integration of deep-reach killer drones and loitering munitions operating in a highly contested, congested, and degraded battlespace. This validated PAF’s capability to conduct high-tempo operations in complex and demanding modern warfare environments.

The exercise also provided PAF with the opportunity to practice and validate contemporary air warfare concepts under unified command and control from the Next-Generation All-Domain Command and Control Centre at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. These operations were conducted within a full-spectrum, modern tactical air combat environment.

The successful execution of Exercise Golden Eagle reaffirms the Pakistan Air Force’s steadfast commitment to maintaining a high level of operational preparedness, leveraging indigenous innovation, and remaining fully capable of effectively countering present and future security challenges.