Pakistan Air Force Exercises

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ANATOLIAN EAGLE 2022: TURKEY'S PREMIER MULTINATIONAL EXERCISE IN FOCUS​

1. Aviation Features
2. Anatolian Eagle 2022: Turkey's premier multinational exercise in focus

By Sam Wise 4th July 2022
FEATURE

Sam Wise reports from Turkey’s Exercise Anatolian Eagle, a multinational exercise which took place at Konya Air Base from June 16-30.
The 2022 edition of the annual Anatolian Eagle (AE-22) exercise took place at 3rd Main Jet Base Command in Konya, Turkey, from 16-30 June, organised by the Anatolian Eagle Training Centre.
The exercise, which this year featured six international participants and almost fifty aircraft, provides realistic combat training for Turkey and their allies with representative opposing forces and high threat environments within a 120 by 216 nautical mile wide airspace. Missions undertaken included Air Surface Force Air Operations, Composite Air Operations (COMAO) and non-COMAO sorties.

TuAF F-16C 92-0017 of 151 Filo took part in the exercise sporting captive AGM-88 HARMs and CATM-9s as part of its SEAD role in the exercise. All Images Sam Wise.
In addition to the local forces, Anatolian Eagle regulars Jordan and Pakistan took part while Azerbaijan returned again following their debut participation in 2021 - of note was an Indian flag kill marking on Pakistani F-16BM 84606 and mission markings on both Azeri Su-25s taking part. The Royal Air Force’s 3(F)sqn, currently part of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing as part of Operation BILOXI in Romania, deployed to Konya to take part in the exercise after having conducted integration and interoperability training in the form of DACT with Turkish Air Force F-16 aircraft as part of the Defence Activities Other Than Operations program.

Azerbaijan and Turkiye continue their increasing military cooperation as the Caucasian nation returned with its Soviet-era Su-25 Frogfoots. Both aircraft were equipped with a pair of Belarusian 'Talisman' ADS pods each.
They were supplemented by the NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force’s E-3A Sentry which is permanently detached to Konya and NATO’s Deployable Air Command and Control Centre (DACCC) took part in the exercise for the first time. Notably, Baykar’s newest Bayraktar Akıncı B UCAV made its operational testing debut in the exercise, providing ISR support alongside an ANKA-S.
Aerial threats simulated by the resident Red Role 132 Filo included MiG-29 Fulcrums, Su-25 Frogfoots, Su-30 and Su-35 Flankers, and Eurofighter Typhoons. Several ground-based anti-air defences were also simulated for the exercise, providing high-threat obstacles for the participants to achieve their objectives. Over 60 aircraft at a time can be factored into a mission for the exercise’s purposes, which this year saw 196 sorties and 80 target Desired Mean Point of Impacts.

The exercise was almost entirely an F-16 affair, with many different variants and blocks in use across the operators present.
In addition, NATO’s Deployable Air Control Centre DACCC’s, Recognized Air Picture Production Centre and Sensor Fusion Post (DARS) took part in the parallel Deployment and Readiness Exercise Ramstein Dust-II (RADU-II/22) at Konya, acting as one of AE-22’s core C2 assets. In addition, AE-22 marked the first time NATO’s new Deployable Air Defence Radar has been deployed to a NATO nation.

The Pakistan Air Force sent the F-16BM, 84606, which is reported to have shot down an Indian Air Force Su-30MKI Flanker on 27 February 2020.

Topics​

Read more about

• Turkey
• Turkish Air Force
• Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ)

Originally published in AirForces Monthly Magazine​

 

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PAF JF-17 along with PLAAF J-11 during Shaheen-VII exercise

 

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On March 27, Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) Panavia Tornado IDS (InterDictor/Strike) aircraft arrived at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Base Mushaf in Sargodha to take part in exercise "Aces Meet 2021-1".

 

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• Opinion

Pak-China Joint Air Force Drills​

Shaheen-III
By
Shazia Mehmood Khan
-
June 10, 2014

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The Joint International Air Exercise “Shaheen-III” recently conducted between the Pakistan Air Force and People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) culminated at an operational air base of the Pakistan Air Force. The air exercise was designed to further strengthen the existing exemplary bonds between the two air forces, learn modern air warfare mechanics and share operational thoughts among pilots, radar controllers and other team members.
PAF Regular Engagements
On its part, PAF regularly undertakes similar operational exercises both inland and abroad to remain abreast of challenges and response strategies faced by air power in changing threat environment. The exercise was a great advantage for both air forces, as Chinese pilots got a chance to fly against an adversary whose training and tactics were Western based and PAF got a chance to fly against a new type.
Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Operations)
Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Operations), Air Marshal Sohail Aman was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. During the Shaheen-III air exercise, PAF and PLAAF participated with modern fighter jets and support elements. Following the rich tradition of the PAF leadership to lead from the front, Air Marshal Sohail Aman also flew in an offensive strike mission package.
Importance of Shaheen-III
The three-week-long Shaheen-III air exercise was the third event of the Shaheen series of bilateral exercises between the two countries’ air forces. The exercise was intended to boost cooperation between China and Pakistan and was a source of valuable experience for pilots on both sides. The exercise was “multi-dimensional” and involved operations in “near real scenarios.”
PAF & PLAAF Contingents
A contingent of People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) comprising combat pilots, air defence controllers and technical ground crew besides a Pakistan Air force (PAF) contingent participated in the exercises. The PLAAF used its Chengdu J-10 and J-7 combat aircraft while the PAF used its JF-17 Thunder, Mirage, and F7 PG fighters. “The Air Exercises between the two professional Air Forces would not only cement the already existing friendly bonds but would also give an opportunity to learn from each other’s combat experience,” said one PAF spokesperson during the exercises. Shaheen-III was the first exercise in the series to involve the PAF’s JF-17 Thunder.
Chinese’s Participation
China sent a six-member PLAAF delegation led by Major General Zhan Houshun to the closing ceremony of the exercise. General Zhan commands the Chengdu Regional Air Force Command and was a coordinating officer for the exercise. General Zhan lauded the PAF’s training and combat efficiency during the closing ceremony.
Major Houshun commented, “PAF has conducted joint exercises with foreign air forces for a long time, obtained great achievements, demonstrated first rate training level and combat efficiency and gained rich experiences from which rich lessons can be drawn. We are deeply impressed by PAF’s aggressive combat style and brave fighting spirit and greatly moved by the ‘train as you fight’ training principle and streamlined efficient training approach.”
“We admire your superb and all round flying skill and outstanding tactical expertise. We have learnt a lot from you which will bring a whole new inspiration to the innovation and development of PLAAF’s military training”. He further said, “I am sure that the closure of joint training is not an end but a new starting point which will deepen, broaden and promote the friendship, exchanges and cooperation between China and Pakistan, the two armed forces and specially the two Air Forces.
The Shaheen series of exercises began in 2011 and was originally designed to allow the air forces of China and Pakistan to cooperate more effectively. Shaheen-I took place in 2011 in Pakistan and Shaheen-II took place in 2013 in China. More broadly, the exercises are designed to cement military-to-military ties between the two countries which often describe their overall relationship as “all-weather” partners.

Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique’s Statement
Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force visited a PAF Base for witnessing the last phase of the Joint International Air Exercise “Shaheen-III” at an Operational Air Base of Pakistan Air Force.
“The Air Exercises between the two professional Air Forces would not only cement the already existing friendly bonds but would also give an opportunity to learn from each other’s combat experience”.
The air exercise was conducted in “near real scenario” and provided an opportunity to combat crew of both the air forces to accustom themselves with the latest concepts and practices he further added.
The air chief expressed his satisfaction on the professional acumen of the participating combat pilots and technicians of the air exercise.
“The Air Exercises between the two professional Air Forces would not only cement the already existing friendly bonds but would also give an opportunity to learn from each other’s combat experience.
Air commodore Tariq Mehmood said the PLAAF contingent was comprised of J-10 and J-7 combat aircraft whereas JF-17 Thunder, Mirage and F7 PG combat aircraft of PAF were also are participated in the exercise.
According to Mr. Yang, the joint military exercises are aimed at enhancing trust between the countries and developing further cooperation with a view to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Pakistan Air Force’s Emphasis
Pakistan Air Force emphasizes the combat training of its air and ground crew and regularly undertakes Air Exercises with Allied Air Forces. “Shaheen-III” which is the third in the series of Joint Air Exercises with PLAAF is conducted annually on alternate basis in both countries.
Air Commodore Mehmood said the Pakistan Air Force has been regularly participating in a number of international air exercises with some of the best air forces across the globe, including United States Air Force (USAF), Italian Air Force, Turkish Air Force (TuAF) and other allied countries.
The exercise involved complex air operations for mutual learning as well as improving the coordination of both the air forces. The joint training, part of the exchange and cooperation programs between the two air forces is expected to strengthen the friendly and cooperative relationship, the Chinese Defense Ministry said in a statement.
“The prime objective of the exercise is to excel in air combat capability with a focus on air power employment in any future conflict,” the PAF said.

Shaheen Air Exercises
The first such drill was held in Pakistan in March 2011, and the second in China’s western Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region last August 2013. Shaheen I was held in March 2011. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) rigorously participated in the said joint air forces exercises. The exercise represented the first time PLAAF combat aircraft deployed to Pakistan and joined alongside their Pakistani counterparts in operational maneuvers in Pakistani airspace. China’s participation in “Shaheen 1” marked another milestone in its military capability.
The Exercises
These joint Air Force’s drills were designed to foster enhanced joint air capabilities and to underscore the priority both sides place on preserving bilateral military ties, the maneuvers executed during Shaheen Air Force Joint Drills during Shaheen 1-III featured combat aircraft from the PAF and PLAAF, as well as technicians and other participants. The series of “Shaheen Air Force Joint Drills” has further strengthened broad and multifaceted bilateral military relationship between the two countries.
Pakistan Air Force
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was established in 1947 as Royal Pakistan Air Force. It is a part of the Pakistan Armed Force, having approximately more than 700 fighters and other types of aircraft and nowadays PAF is concentrating and working out on fighter aircrafts. In collaboration with China modern fighter aircrafts are being constructed by Chinese and Pakistani aircraft engineers. PAF operates following important aircrafts:

Different Air Force Fighter Aircrafts F-16s F-7MPs F-7PGs Mirage IIIs JF-17 Thunders Mirage Vs J-10/ F-10 Vanguard

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif said that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) strikes against the terrorists were laudable. He said that air power had become very important in the modern era for aerial security of the country and PAF and Pakistan Army would fight side by side for the defence of the country and combat all the challenges together. He expressed these views during his address at an impressive “Re-Equipment Ceremony of No19 Multi-Role Squadron” of Pakistan Air Force, held at the PAF Base Mushaf. General Raheel said, “PAF is striving for the professional excellence for being second to none as quoted by the Father of the Nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. PAF is equipped with modern weaponry system and training capabilities and this will increase our defence capabilities.”
The army chief further said, “PAF has always maintained the highest state of preparedness and professional excellence. The PAF has repeatedly proved equal to the task even in the most difficult times and has measured up to the expectations of the nation in safeguarding the sacred soil and aerial frontiers of Pakistan.”
He extended congratulation to the airmen, particularly to the gallant Sherdils of No19 Squadron on attaining another milestone in the history of the PAF. The army chief assured continued collaboration between the Pakistan Army and Air Force. The army chief said that the addition of more F-16s in the PAF had further enhanced the capability of aerial defence of the country.
He said that the PAF would come ahead to save the territorial sovereignty of Pakistan anywhere and at any cost. The air chief said, “It is PAF’s commitment to the nation that despite all odds, our resolve shall remain unshakable and along with our sister services we shall Inshallah defend the territorial integrity of Pakistan against any aggression at any cost. Being the first line of physical defence, the PAF needs to continuously build up its capability for an even more assured aerial defence.”

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Shazia Mehmood Khan
She is a corporate lawyer having experience of more than 10 years. She is the advisor to All Christian Schools in Pakistan and has keen interests in democracy, human rights, freedom of speech and conflict resolution.

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Five JF-17 Thunders from the Pakistan Air Force are en route to Konya, Turkey to participate in the Anatolian Eagle 2021 exercises with the air forces of Turkey, Qatar, NATO and Azerbaijan.
Qatari Rafales will take part in the exercises with JF-17s.

 

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JOINT USAF / PAF AIR EXERCISES IN 1978

by Air Cdre (retd.) Jamal Hussain Early this year, USAF had conducted a joint air exercise with the Indian Air Force, codenamed ‘Cope India’. A brief report of the event appeared in the Dawn article of Friday June 15 titled, “Air exercise with India a wake-up call for US: general”.

Midlink 78

F-111 seen deployed at Masroor Air Base during the Midlink 78.



Exercise Midlink 78 was held in November/December 1978 where air and maritime forces of Pakistan and USA interacted with each other off the Karachi coast and in the air spaces around Karachi and the Arabian Sea. As the Flight Commander of No.5 Squadron, I was again fortunate and privileged to have taken part in the Exercise.

The air portion of Exercise Midlink 78 was fairly conventional. Red forces (aggressors) were represented by land based USAF F-111 and F-4 squadrons operating from Masroor. PAF Mirage IIIs and F-6s again from Masroor operated in the air defence role. F-111s (singly) and F-4s (in pairs) conducted raids over Masroor while Mirages and F-6s from Masroor carried out interceptions with the aid of air defence radar that were deployed for the purpose.

The aggressors ingressed at low levels and while the minimum height from safety point of view was 250 feet Above Ground Level (AGL), the F-111s, having their terrain following radars at their disposal invariably flew in at about 100 feet AGL. We as the defenders rarely complained.

As per the Rules of Engagements, the interceptor was permitted to carry out a single attack simulating a heat missile (Fox 2) or gun shot (Fox 3) while the attackers were permitted one hard turn into the interceptor at which point further manoeuvring by both was to cease. These restrictions were placed for flight safety reasons. These restrictions, as we soon learnt, existed on paper only.

F-111s, basically being an attack aircraft with little pretence to air combat potential, generally adhered to the laid down rules. The F-4s were a different kettle of fish. They had too much of fighter ego ingrained in their psyche to tamely allow another fighter jock to expose gun camera film on them capturing their theoretical destruction without a serious struggle. On a number of occasions, a hard turn by the strike formation led to full fledged combat at what in our fighter pilots’ lexicon is termed as the ‘deck level’.

These manoeuvrings and subsequent claims were never officially revealed as it would have resulted in strict disciplinary actions on both the guilty parties. But unofficially we talked about it in a hushed manner, displaying the cines on the quiet and only to each other.

Till the advent of F-15s and then F-16s, F-4s were the most potent fighter/ground attack aircraft in USAF’s inventory. During the Arab – Israeli war of 1973 when the Israeli Air Force possessed both F-4s and Mirages, the former was considered to be their No.1 air combat aircraft. With that impressive background, we expected a very tough dog-fight if the F-4s decided to engage us seriously in air combat.

The F-4s, as I had mentioned earlier, on more than one occasion took us on and much to our surprise and delight we normally enjoyed the upper hand in those engagement. Mercifully also, there were no mishaps.

F-4 in Mirage gun sight - Midlink 78

Was Mirage a better air superiority fighter than the F-4 or were we better trained in air combat than the F-4 crews we had engaged? Even the F-4 crews were surprised at our dexterity. Informal discussion with the F-4 squadron pilots revealed that the particular squadron we were dealing with had reconnaissance and strike as their primarily roles. Air combat manoeuvres were restricted primarily to defensive manoeuvring. No wonder, we had outperformed that lot of F-4 pilots in the air combat role.

Now a word of advice and caution from an old sinner to my younger colleagues. Exercise Midlink was one of the very few occasions when I had deliberately violated the rules and was fortunate to get away with it. In my 28 years of active service with the PAF where I flew practically all the fighters in the PAF inventory for about twenty years, I was not involved in a single accident, major or minor. Either I was fortunate or I really was not a habitual rule breaker. The fact that I was and will always remain a fighter pilot at heart and that we were engaging the world’s premier air force pilots in combat led me to believe, wrongly I realise now, that PAF’s honour had to be protected at any cost. Perhaps we were fortunate or perhaps we had the necessary skill to engage in low level combat without flying into the ground. A bit of both I think and the fact that I had just completed the Combat Commanders’ Course where we had trained for low level combat. My fervent appeal therefore to my young friends is not to indulge in any activity for which you have not been specifically trained, or which is strictly forbidden.

 

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Anatolian Eagle-2021 Exercise,

In this year’s international Anatolian Eagle-2021 Exercise,
Azerbaijani Air Forces will participate with 2x MIG-29s and 2x SU-25s, Qatar Air Force with 4x Rafale jets, Pakistan Air Force with 5x JF-17s, and NATO with 1x E-3A AWACS aircraft. Turkish Air Force will attend the event with 38x F-16C/D of the 113th (5), 132nd (10), 151st (6), 152nd (6), 181st (8), and 191st (3) Squadrons, 1x KC-135R of the 101st Squadron, 1x E-7T of the 131st Squadron, and 1x ANKA-S of the 302nd Squadron. Turkish Naval Forces will also participate with 2x Frigates and 2x Fast Attack Crafts.

During the International Anatolian Eagle Exercise, the certification of the Turkish Air Force (TurAF) elements committed to the NATO Response Force (NRF) will also be carried out for the first time. The combat readiness and interoperability of 6x F-16s, 1x KC-135R tanker aircraft, and 6x Stinger Air Defense Teams, committed by the Turkish Air Force to the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) as part of NRF will be evaluated.

Bangladesh, Belarus, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Georgia, Iraq, Sweden, Kosovo, Lebanon, Hungary, Malaysia, Nigeria, Romania, Tunisia, Ukraine, Oman, Jordan, and Japan will also participate as observers.

 

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2021

 

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Officers from Pakistan Army & Air Force are participating in U.S. CENTCOM hosted multilateral wargame “Regional Cooperation 2021”.

The exercise aims to improve capabilities between coalition forces and improve the ability to conduct joint operations while building closer ties.

 

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A Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder Block-ll with In Flight Refueling Probe (IFRP) from No.16 Squadron "Black Panthers" Flying In Formation With Egyptian F-16, Saudi Air Force F-15 Stike Eagle, UAE Air Force F-16, F-5 From Royal Bahrain Air Force, KSA Euro Fighter Typhoon During Gulf Shield Military Exercise.

 

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