Spears of victory: Shared air power between the GCC countries and Pakistan
https://arab.news/verqa
Our times are characterized by disorder and transgressions of international law. The imbalance of power is visible in some regions as the world moves from unipolar to multipolar. Measured and temperate diplomatic parlance is often overtaken by a language of direct and indirect threats, even at the highest level. There is scant regard for the accepted principle of the inviolability of international borders and territorial integrity. The use of air power, missiles and drones has eclipsed the importance of conventional ground combat. For countries large in size like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, agile and efficient air forces are essential for their long range mobility and ability to overpower the enemy from the sky.
The Royal Saudi Air Force, cognizant of these facts, has been holding yearly air exercises named “Spears of victory.” These exercises have been attended by the US, UK, France, Greece, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Pakistan and the hosting air force. It reflects the determination of GCC countries and Pakistan to preserve and promote regional security and peace for the progress and prosperity of their people. The participation of developed nations shows the importance attached to this resource rich and geopolitically important region. Security interests here are in tandem at regional and international levels.
These yearly exercises, with its current session underway until Feb.6, provide an excellent opportunity to bolster interoperability within the participating air forces in the backdrop of technological advancement increasing the complexity in air power application and shared aerial defense challenges. The participation of the Pakistan Air Force contingent in the 2025 exercise reflects Pakistan’s commitment to regional and international cooperation “but also underscores the capability and prowess to operate in diverse and challenging environments among contemporary air forces,” says a press release of the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan’s intelligence services.
The Pakistan Air Force has flown multiple aircraft of various categories and origins. It started with the British aircraft and later inducted French and US fighters and bombers. Pakistan has displayed its capability to overhaul and upgrade foreign made aircraft like Mirage. It now co-produces the JF-17 Thunder with China. This aircraft has displayed its capabilities in various international exercises and air shows. The Pakistani contingent of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets has flown non-stop to King Abdul Aziz Air Base, refueling in the air. This fighter aircraft has, more than once, displayed its capacity in combat exercises of a multilateral nature. Many developing countries view it as a good substitute for the expensive western aircraft.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have both faced violations of their air spaces in recent years and have dealt with those violations in a professional and confident manner.
Javed Hafeez
Pakistan Air Force has a long history of operating in the Gulf Region on training missions and these yearly exercises are like refresher courses for Pakistani fighter pilots, navigators and crew members. They also provide good opportunities to officers from participating nations to interact and exchange ideas about technologies and other advancements. The induction of missiles and drones in warfare add yet another dimension and it is essential for Pakistani and Gulf air forces to stay abreast of these latest developments.
Aerial reconnaissance is yet another field that air forces undertake these days to pre-empt enemy attacks and to read their ground movements. Similarly, a naval aircraft ensures the maritime security necessary to ensure the safe transportation of energy resources from the Gulf region to other parts of the world. It’s safe to say the center of gravity in the defense systems of these countries lies in air power. Because of a long common training background, the air force of GCC countries and the Pakistan Air Force have developed a fairly good level of operational understanding.
Eternal vigilance is necessary not only for regional peace and security but also to keep the wheels of the international economy and trade moving. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have both faced violations of their air spaces in recent years and have dealt with those violations in a professional and confident manner. It is however, essential to keep honing skills in order to meet any future eventualities.
The participation of the US, UK and French air forces in Saudi Arabia’s “Spears of Victory” military exercises serve the dual purpose of training and a symbolic expression of the importance attached to this region by countries in the West.
– Javed Hafeez is a former Pakistani diplomat with much experience of the Middle East. He writes weekly columns in Pakistani and Gulf newspapers and appears regularly on satellite TV channels as a defense and political analyst. X: @JavedHafiz8