Islamabad/Baku, October 19, 2025: 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 take part in a bilateral aerial combat exercise, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Sunday.
According to the military’s media wing, the exercise — titled Indus Shield Alpha — aims to enhance mutual understanding, tactical coordination, and interoperability between the air forces of Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
“In a remarkable display of operational prowess and endurance, PAF fighters accomplished a non-stop flight from their home base in Pakistan to Azerbaijan, executing flawless in-flight air-to-air refuelling operations,” the ISPR statement said.
The complex mid-air refuelling was conducted using the PAF’s IL-78 aerial tanker, underscoring the long-range capability of the JF-17 Block-III fighters and the professional excellence of Pakistani aircrews in handling extended international deployments.
The exercise will focus on modern aerial warfare tactics, joint mission planning, and operational execution amid evolving technological and strategic dynamics in global airpower. It will also serve as a platform to exchange operational insights and develop collaborative responses to emerging aerial defence challenges.
“The participation of the Pakistan Air Force contingent in Exercise Indus Shield Alpha reaffirms PAF’s enduring commitment to regional stability and global military cooperation,” the ISPR added. “It also demonstrates PAF’s unwavering resolve to continuously evolve and adapt to the demands of contemporary warfare while maintaining its tradition of excellence in every domain of air operations.”
Pakistan regularly participates in bilateral and multilateral air exercises around the world, showcasing its growing aerial capabilities, fostering defence diplomacy, and strengthening military-to-military ties with friendly nations.
Earlier this year, PAF fighter jets won top honours at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025 in the United Kingdom. The JF-17 Block-III received the Spirit of the Meet Trophy for its striking livery and non-stop refuelling journey from Pakistan, while the C-130H Hercules secured the Concours d’Elegance Trophy.
Last year, the PAF hosted Exercise Indus Shield 2024, the region’s largest multinational air exercise featuring 24 participating countries, which underscored Pakistan’s leadership in multi-domain warfighting and cooperative air operations.
Defence analysts say the launch of Indus Shield Alpha signals the deepening of Pakistan-Azerbaijan defence cooperation and highlights Islamabad’s focus on expanding its footprint in regional and international military partnerships.
