- JF-17 Block-III fighters execute non-stop flight with flawless mid-air refueling
- Indus Shield Alpha to focus on advanced air warfare, joint mission planning
- Exercise aims to boost interoperability between Pakistan and Azerbaijan air forces
- ISPR says participation reflects Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability
ISLAMABAD: A contingent of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has arrived in Azerbaijan to take part in a high-profile bilateral air combat exercise titled “Indus Shield Alpha,” aimed at honing modern aerial warfare tactics, interoperability, and joint operational readiness, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the PAF contingent comprises JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets accompanied by experienced air and ground crew.
PAF CONTINGENT ARRIVES IN AZERBAIJAN FOR BILATERAL EXERCISE INDUS SHIELD ALPHA
19 October, 2025: Pakistan Air Force contingent comprising the cutting-edge JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets, accompanied by skilled air and ground crew, has landed in Azerbaijan to participate in… pic.twitter.com/pDgyg9rwMM
— DGPR (AIR FORCE) (@DGPR_PAF) October 19, 2025
The fighter aircraft executed a non-stop flight from Pakistan to Azerbaijan, successfully completing a flawless in-flight air-to-air refueling operation conducted by the PAF’s IL-78 aerial tanker, underscoring the force’s long-range precision and endurance capabilities.
“The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding, tactical coordination, and interoperability between the two brotherly Air Forces,” the ISPR said, noting that the drills would emphasize joint mission planning, real-time combat simulation, and response strategies shaped by evolving airpower dynamics and rapid technological advancements.
The statement added that Indus Shield Alpha would serve as a “vital platform” for the two air forces to exchange operational insights, develop integrated aerial combat strategies, and build collaborative responses to emerging defense challenges.
The ISPR said the PAF’s participation reaffirmed Pakistan’s enduring commitment to regional stability, international military cooperation, and continued adaptation to the demands of contemporary air warfare.
“It also demonstrates PAF’s unwavering resolve to evolve with technological change while maintaining its tradition of excellence in every domain of air operations,” the statement added.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan have historically enjoyed close defense and diplomatic relations, which have strengthened in recent years through joint training, defense cooperation, and mutual support on regional security issues.
The ties between the two countries deepened further after Baku publicly backed Islamabad during a four-day military confrontation with India in April, which left more than 70 people dead on both sides. The PAF claimed it had shot down six Indian fighter jets during those skirmishes — a claim New Delhi disputed, acknowledging only that an unspecified number of aircraft were lost.
Defense analysts see Indus Shield Alpha as part of a broader regional engagement strategy by Pakistan’s armed forces, designed to diversify strategic partnerships and modernize combat capabilities in coordination with allied nations.