COAS Gen Asim Munir visits PAF to review Indus Shield-2024 exercises

Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir visited an operational air base of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Thursday to observe the ongoing multinational exercise, Indus Shield-2024.

He was welcomed by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, along with Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.

Indus Shield-2024 is the largest multinational military exercise in the region, featuring participation from 24 esteemed air forces.

The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and training among the participating nations through state-of-the-art facilities, adhering to its motto, “Stronger When Together.”

During the visit, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) expressed satisfaction with the combat readiness of the PAF and the progress achieved through various modernisation and upgrade programmes.

The COAS also engaged with aircrew members, commending their dedication to safeguarding Pakistan's aerial frontiers. He emphasised the critical importance of inter-service collaboration as essential for achieving operational success.

Air Chief Marshal Sidhu thanked COAS for his visit, reinforcing the commitment to bolster cooperation between the army and air force in training and operational contexts.

He updated the COAS on the ongoing modernisation and indigenisation initiatives within the PAF, including the induction of advanced weapon systems.

While addressing the attendees, Air Chief Sidhu highlighted that the Indus Shield-2024 exercise would significantly enhance interoperability among the participating nations and equip their air and ground crews to effectively confront contemporary warfare challenges.

Photo: ISPR

Indus Shield 2024: Strengthening military cooperation among key allies

The Pakistan Air Force is currently conducting significant multinational air exercises, Indus Shield 2024, involving the air forces of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

These exercises are designed to enhance military collaboration and ensure preparedness against shared security challenges in the region. Indus Shield 2024 aims to showcase the professionalism and capabilities of the participating air forces amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) has deployed six Panavia Tornado fighter jets, while the Turkish Air Force is contributing F-16s, and the Egyptian Air Force has provided Mirage 2000 aircraft. Pakistan is represented by its J-10C fighter jets.

The Panavia Tornado, selected by Saudi Arabia for its versatility, is a multi-role fighter capable of executing ground attacks and various tactical support missions. The RSAF currently operates 87 Tornado jets, alongside 72 Eurofighter Typhoons, 72 F-15E jets, 80 F-15 aircraft, and 83 F-5 jets.