ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) contingent, featuring JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and dedicated air and ground crew, is participating in a two-week, multinational air exercise, ‘Bright Star 2023,’ at Egypt’s Mohammed Naguib Military Base, the PAF said on Saturday. 

Since 1995, Egypt has invited nations across the globe to partake in the exercise, transforming it into one of the world’s largest and most intricate joint air force maneuvers. Its primary objectives include promoting interoperability among participating nations, creating a platform for shared learning opportunities, simulating realistic aerial warfare scenarios, and providing air forces with real-time assessment of operational readiness. 

Over the course of two weeks, the exercise, which is taking place in the desert terrain of northwest Cairo, will bring together air, naval, and ground assets of 34 countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United States of America, India and Greece, according to the PAF. 

“In light of the complex security environment and contemporary strategic challenges, exercises like Bright Star 2023 enable the Pakistan Air Force to enhance its interoperability with friendly nations,” the PAF said in a statement. 

Aside from strengthening Pakistan-Egypt military ties, the exercise would facilitate the practice of integrated employment of combat and combat-support assets, according to the statement. 

It will provide an opportunity to formulate and validate tactics against contemporary threats, ensuring preparedness for any future contingencies. 

“Pakistan Air Force looks forward to contributing to the success of this multinational exercise,” it read. “Through such endeavors, PAF reaffirms its commitment to regional stability, international cooperation, and the continuous development of its own capabilities.” 

Separately on Friday, PAF’s chief of air staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, visited Turkiye to attend the Turkish Air Force’s graduation and flag detachment ceremony as a guest of honor, the PAF said.

“Chief of the Air Staff expressed his unwavering commitment to enhancing the existing bilateral ties in military-to-military cooperation with Turkiye, especially in the field of defense production, two-way sharing of technology, and the joint development of fifth-generation fighter aircraft,” the PAF said.

“He also reiterated his resolve to further deepen the strong bond of friendship that unites the two nations in the face of shared challenges and wished to explore further avenues of collaboration in the defense and aviation sector.”