ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) contingent has arrived in Azerbaijan to participate in a bilateral aerial combat exercise named “Indus Shield Alpha,” the military’s media wing said on Sunday, with the exercise set to focus on modern aerial warfare tactics. 

The Pakistan contingent comprises JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets accompanied by skilled air and ground crew, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing, said in a statement. 

The PAF fighters arrived via a non-stop flight from their home base in Pakistan to Azerbaijan, the ISPR said, executing a “flawless in-flight air-to-air refueling operation.” The air-refueling was carried out with the PAF’s IL-79 aerial tanker, the military said, reaffirming the fighter jets’ long-range capability. 

“Exercise Indus Shield Alpha aims to enhance mutual understanding, tactical coordination and interoperability between the two brotherly Air Forces,” the ISPR said. 

“The exercise will focus on modern aerial warfare tactics, joint mission planning and execution in an environment shaped by rapid technological advancements and evolving airpower dynamics.”

The military’s media wing said Indus Shield Alpha will also serve as a “vital platform” to exchange operational insights and strengthen collaborative responses to emerging aerial defense challenges.

The PAF’s participation in the exercise reaffirms Pakistan’s enduring commitment to regional stability and global military cooperation, the ISPR said.

“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,” the statement concluded. 

Pakistan has historically enjoyed close defense and diplomatic ties with Azerbaijan. The two countries have grown closer and vowed to improve defense ties since Baku publicly proclaimed support for Pakistan during its four-day military confrontation with India in April. The confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbors resulted in the killing of over 70 people in both countries. 

The PAF said it shot down six Indian fighter jets during the skirmishes. While Indian officials acknowledged an unspecified number of fighter jets were shot down, they rejected Pakistan’s claims that six were brought down by the PAF.