Islamabad, February 11, 2026 – The Europe Today: Pakistan Air Force successfully conducted Exercise Golden Eagle in the Southern Air Command’s area of responsibility, involving the synchronized orchestration of the complete combat potential at the disposal of Pakistan Air Force showcasing battle readiness and operational agility. The exercise was aimed at further enhancing PAF’s operational prowess through an AI-enabled, net-centric training framework, integrating niche, disruptive and smart indigenous technologies. Aligned with evolving regional security dynamics, the exercise was planned and executed on a Two-Force construct, wherein friendly forces shaped the battlespace while operating within a robust Integrated Air Defence System matrix. This was achieved through seamless fusion and collaborative employment of kinetic capabilities alongside operations across the cyber, space and Electro-Magnetic Spectrum Operations arenas.
The kinetic phase of the exercise featured employment of First-Shoot, First-Kill swing-role combat aircraft, equipped with long range beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, extended-range air-to-ground stand-off weapons, and precision strike capabilities. These operations were comprehensively supported by force multipliers, including Air-to-Air Refuelers and Airborne Early Warning & Control platforms, enabling precise and effective targeting of adversary centres of gravity. Manned–Unmanned Teaming was a key highlight of Exercise Golden Eagle, manifested through the adroit integration of deep-reach killer drones and loitering munitions operating in a highly contested, congested and degraded battlespace, thereby validating PAF’s capability to conduct high tempo operations in complex modern warfare environments. The Exercise also enabled PAF to practice and validate contemporary air warfare concepts under unified command and control from the Next-Generation All-Domain Command & Control Centre at Air Headquarters, Islamabad, while competing in a full-spectrum, modern tactical air environment.
The successful conduct of Exercise Golden Eagle underscores Pakistan Air Force’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a high state of operational preparedness, leveraging indigenous innovation and remaining fully capable of effectively countering emerging and future security challenges.
