PAF conducts Exercise Golden Eagle to validate combat readiness

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has successfully conducted Exercise Golden Eagle in the Southern Air Command’s area of responsibility, according to the military’s media affairs wing on Tuesday.

In a statement, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the exercise was aimed at validating combat readiness and operational agility through the synchronised employment of the PAF’s complete combat potential.

The ISPR noted that the drill was carried out on a Two-Force construct, with a strong focus on AI-enabled and net-centric operations. Indigenous niche, disruptive and smart technologies were also integrated into the exercise in line with evolving regional security dynamics.

The exercise involved operating within a robust integrated air defence system, where friendly forces shaped the battlespace through the seamless fusion of kinetic operations alongside cyber, space and electro-magnetic spectrum operations.

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According to the statement, the kinetic phase featured “First-Shoot, First-Kill” swing-role combat aircraft equipped with long-range beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, extended-range stand-off weapons and precision strike capabilities. These operations were supported by airborne early warning and control platforms as well as air-to-air refuellers.

A major highlight of Exercise Golden Eagle was Manned–Unmanned Teaming, with deep-reach killer drones and loitering munitions operating in a highly contested and degraded environment. This validated the PAF’s capability to conduct high-tempo operations in modern warfare conditions.

The exercise was executed under unified command and control from the Next-Generation All-Domain Command and Control Centre at Air Headquarters, Islamabad.

The ISPR said the successful conduct of Exercise Golden Eagle reaffirmed the PAF’s commitment to maintaining a high state of operational preparedness, leveraging indigenous innovation and effectively countering emerging and future security challenges.