Pakistan's jets arrive in Azerbaijan for joint Indus Shield Alpha air drills VIDEO

A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) contingent, featuring the advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets, has arrived in Azerbaijan to participate in the bilateral aerial combat exercise Indus Shield Alpha.

According to an official statement, the deployment includes both air and ground crew, showcasing the PAF’s high level of operational readiness. The fighter jets completed a non-stop flight from Pakistan to Azerbaijan, successfully carrying out in-flight air-to-air refuelling with the support of the PAF’s IL-78 aerial refuelling aircraft, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

The complex mid-air refuelling operation, executed with precision, highlighted the long-range deployment capabilities of the JF-17 Block-III and the professionalism of PAF personnel.

The Indus Shield Alpha exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding, tactical coordination, and interoperability between the Pakistani and Azerbaijani air forces. It will focus on modern aerial warfare tactics, joint mission planning, and execution amid rapidly evolving airpower technologies and dynamics.

According to the PAF statement, the exercise will also provide a platform for exchanging operational experience and strengthening collaborative approaches to emerging aerial defence challenges.

By Sabina Mammadli