In a stunning show of precision and endurance, Pakistan Air Force’s state of the art JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets have landed in Azerbaijan to take part in the “Indus Shield Alpha” bilateral aerial combat exercise. The non-stop flight, supported by flawless mid-air refuelling, highlights PAF’s growing global reach, operational excellence, and its deepening military partnership with Azerbaijan.
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has once again showcased its cutting-edge aviation prowess and professionalism as a contingent of JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets, along with highly trained air and ground crews, touched down in Azerbaijan to participate in the “Indus Shield Alpha” bilateral aerial combat exercise, the military’s media wing confirmed on Sunday.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the joint exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding, tactical coordination, and interoperability between the air forces of Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
“In a remarkable display of operational prowess and endurance, PAF fighters accomplished a non-stop flight from their home base in Pakistan to Azerbaijan, executing flawless in-flight air-to-air refuelling operations,” the ISPR said.
The statement added that the complex mid-air refuelling operation, performed by PAF’s own IL-78 aerial tanker, reaffirmed the long-range strike capability of the PAF and reflected the exceptional skill, discipline, and professionalism of its personnel.
A Showcase of Evolving Airpower
Exercise Indus Shield Alpha will focus on modern aerial warfare tactics, joint mission planning, and execution in high-threat environments shaped by rapid technological advancements. It is designed to allow both nations to share operational insights, develop joint combat strategies, and strengthen collective responses to emerging aerial and electronic warfare challenges.
The PAF emphasized that participation in this high-level exercise demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, stability, and defence cooperation, while also highlighting its technological progress and adaptability to contemporary air combat dynamics.
“The participation of the Pakistan Air Force contingent in Exercise Indus Shield Alpha reaffirms PAF’s enduring commitment to regional stability and global military cooperation,” the ISPR noted.
“It also demonstrates PAF’s unwavering resolve to continuously evolve and adapt to the demands of modern warfare, while maintaining its tradition of excellence.”
PAF’s Growing Global Footprint
This deployment follows a series of international successes for the Pakistan Air Force. In July 2025, PAF fighter jets earned global acclaim at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in the United Kingdom, where the JF-17 Block III won the “Spirit of the Meet Trophy” for its striking livery and non-stop air-to-air refuelling feat. The C-130H Hercules also won the prestigious “Concours d’Elegance Trophy.”
Last year, the PAF hosted Exercise Indus Shield 2024, the largest multinational air exercise in the region, with 24 countries participating. The event served as a symbol of Pakistan’s evolving airpower strategy, its ability to lead regional cooperation, and its growing role in global air defence diplomacy.
Strengthening Pakistan-Azerbaijan Defence Ties
Pakistan and Azerbaijan share a history of strong diplomatic and defence relations, with both nations increasingly engaging in joint military training, intelligence sharing, and strategic collaboration. The ongoing exercise marks a deepening of this partnership, further aligning their defence cooperation against modern aerial threats.
With Indus Shield Alpha, the Pakistan Air Force once again demonstrates that it is not only prepared to defend the nation’s skies but also ready to project its strength, professionalism, and unity on the international stage, reflecting a new era of confidence, capability, and cooperation.
Discover more from JUST UNTOLD STORY
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
