Pakistan Air Force Commences ‘Indus Shield 2023,’ Air Drill

The Indus Shield 2023 air drill started in Pakistan in October 2023. It is a multinational air exercise involving 14 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, Oman, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Morocco, Uzbekistan, China, and Hungary. The exercise is being held at an operational air base in Pakistan.

The Pakistan Air Force has launched a significant multinational air drill, designated as ‘Indus Shield-2023,‘ taking place at one of its operational bases. This air exercise showcased a remarkable demonstration of international camaraderie and airpower. With forces representing 14 nations converging at the PAF’s Airpower Centre of Excellence (ACE).

‘Indus Shield 2023’ sought to bring together aviation experts from numerous Middle Eastern countries. Including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Oman, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Morocco, Uzbekistan, China, and Hungary.

These international drills are periodically organized by Pakistani forces. They serve to fortify defense alliances with other nations, enabling troops to glean insights and techniques from their counterparts.

Air Vice Marshal Tariq Mehmood Ghazi, acting as the chief guest, inaugurated the event. He emphasized its critical role in achieving shared objectives amidst the evolving dynamics of air warfare.

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In an official statement, Air Vice Marshal Ghazi noted that ‘Indus Shield 2023’ not only provides an exclusive platform for participating air forces to showcase their unparalleled skills and operational capabilities. But also fosters a deeper mutual understanding among the contingents involved, promoting interoperability.

He further highlighted that the exercise will impart invaluable experience in aerial warfare tactics to both air and ground crew. However, it will achieved through real-time war scenario simulations and a diverse array of combat missions.

What’s In The Sleeve?

The Indus Shield 2023 air drill is aimed at enhancing cooperation and understanding between the participating air forces, as well as improving their combat readiness. The exercise will involve a variety of missions, including air combat, close air support, and electronic warfare.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) regularly organizes multinational air exercises to strengthen its defense ties with other countries and to learn from the experiences and techniques of other nations. The Indus Shield 2023 air drill is the largest and most diverse multinational air exercise ever held by the PAF.