The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Monday completed the ‘Golden Eagle’ training exercise, where artificial intelligence (AI) and the use of new indigenous technology were focused on, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

According to the statement, the exercise took place in “Southern Air Command’s area of responsibility”, to “validate combat readiness and operational agility through the synchronised employment of PAF’s complete combat potential”.

“The exercise was executed under unified command and control from the Next-Generation All-Domain Command and Control Centre, [at] Air Headquarters, Islamabad,” the statement said.

It added that the exercise was conducted on a two-force construct and particularly focused on AI-enabled and net-centric operations, while integrating indigenous niche, disruptive and smart technologies, in line with evolving regional security dynamics.

ISPR said that while operating within a robust integrated air defence system, participants seamlessly combined kinetic, cyber, space and electromagnetic spectrum operations.

“The kinetic phase featured first-shoot, first-kill swing-role combat aircraft equipped with long-range beyond visual range air-to-air missiles, extended-range stand-off weapons and precision strike capabilities, supported by airborne early warning and control platforms and air-to-air refuellers,” the statement said.

It added that the key highlight of the exercise was “manned-unmanned teaming”, where drones and loitering munitions were sent to operate in a highly contested, congested and degraded environment, to validate the PAF’s capability to conduct high-tempo operations.

“The successful conduct of exercise ‘Golden Eagle’ reaffirms PAF’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a high state of operational preparedness, leveraging indigenous innovation and effectively countering emerging and future security challenges,” the statement concluded.