Saudi Arabia enhances ties with six Tornado aircraft in Pakistan

Saudi Arabia is deepening its military cooperation with Pakistan by participating in the Indus Shield 2024 exercise, deploying six Panavia Tornado Tactical Strike Fighter (IDS) aircraft from the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF). Alongside Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, Egypt and Türkiye are also contributing their fighter jets to this collaborative effort.

The Indus Shield 2024 aims to enhance military cooperation and facilitate the sharing of expertise among the air forces of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Türkiye, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

This exercise is designed to showcase the capabilities and professionalism of the Saudi Air Force while providing air and support crews with valuable experience in irregular and electronic warfare scenarios. Türkiye is contributing F-16 fighters, while Egypt is providing Mirage 2000s.

The deployment of the Tornado IDS aircraft is a strategic move for Saudi Arabia, recognized for their versatility in complex combat situations. As a pivotal regional player, Saudi Arabia is keen to demonstrate its military capabilities amid growing threats from terrorism and regional conflicts.

Participation in this multinational exercise offers the Saudi Air Force a unique opportunity to learn from its counterparts, gaining insights into the latest technologies and operational strategies. This is crucial for Saudi Arabia, which is heavily investing in military modernization and adapting to current combat challenges.

Beyond merely showcasing military strength, Saudi Arabia seeks to strengthen international alliances through exercises like Indus Shield 2024. The aim is to adopt new operational strategies and enhance coordination among various military units, which is vital for regional stability.

The Tornado IDS aircraft features impressive specifications, including a length of approximately 16.72 meters, a wingspan of 14.80 meters, and a height of 5.56 meters. Powered by two RB199 turbojet engines, these jets can reach speeds of Mach 2.2 (around 2,340 km/h) and have a combat radius of about 550 km.

Over its service history, the Tornado IDS has undergone significant upgrades to enhance its combat effectiveness. By participating in Indus Shield 2024, Saudi Arabia aims to bolster interoperability with partner nations and adopt new tactics for future military operations in the region.