PAF JF-17 Block-III Jets Join Azerbaijan for Indus Shield Alpha Exercise

Rawalpindi: A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) contingent comprising state-of-the-art JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets, along with skilled air and ground crew, has arrived in Azerbaijan to participate in the bilateral aerial combat exercise Indus Shield Alpha.
In a remarkable display of operational prowess, PAF fighter jets successfully completed a non-stop flight from Pakistan to Azerbaijan, performing precise in-flight air-to-air refuelling operations using PAF’s own IL-78 aerial tanker. The mission underscored the long-range operational capability of the PAF fleet and the exceptional professionalism of its aircrew in extended international missions.
The Indus Shield Alpha exercise aims to strengthen mutual understanding, tactical coordination, and interoperability between the two brotherly Air Forces. It will focus on modern aerial warfare tactics, joint mission planning, and execution amid evolving technological and strategic airpower environments.
PAF’s participation in this high-level exercise reaffirms its commitment to regional stability, international defence cooperation, and continuous evolution in the face of contemporary warfare challenges, upholding its legacy of excellence in all domains of air operations.