PAF Successfully Concludes Exercise Golden Eagle; Showcases AI-Enabled Manned-Unmanned Teaming.
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PAF Exercise Golden Eagle 2026
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) successfully concluded its large-scale military exercise, “Golden Eagle,” on February 10, 2026. Conducted in the Southern Air Command’s area of responsibility, the drill was designed to validate combat readiness and operational agility through the synchronized use of the PAF’s full combat potential.
Key Highlights of Exercise Golden Eagle
The exercise demonstrated the integration of next-generation warfare concepts and indigenous technologies:
- Next-Gen AI Integration: The drill was built on a Two-Force construct, prioritizing AI-enabled, net-centric operations.
- Manned-Unmanned Teaming: A primary focus was the use of deep-reach killer drones and loitering munitions operating alongside manned aircraft in contested and degraded environments.
- Advanced Weaponry: The kinetic phase featured “First-Shoot, First-Kill” swing-role fighter jets equipped with long-range Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles and precision-strike munitions.
- Multi-Domain Fusion: Operations seamlessly merged kinetic actions with cyber, space, and electromagnetic spectrum operations within a robust Integrated Air Defense System.
- Operational Support: Missions were supported by Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) platforms and air-to-air refuelers to ensure sustained reach and situational awareness.
- Command and Control: The entire exercise was executed under unified command from the Next-Generation All-Domain Command & Control Centre at Air Headquarters in Islamabad.
