Indus Shield 2024 Air Exercise Brings Together Tornado, Mirage, J-10C, and F-16 Fighter Jets

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) has deployed six Panavia Tornado fighter jets to participate in the Indus Shield 2024 air exercise in Pakistan, alongside the air forces of Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt.

The joint air exercise, Indus Shield 2024, aims to enhance military cooperation between the participating nations: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt.

The exercise is designed to demonstrate the professionalism, capabilities, and readiness of all involved air forces, especially in light of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The Turkish Air Force has reportedly deployed F-16 fighter jets, while the Egyptian Air Force has contributed Mirage 2000 aircraft, while Pakistan used its J-10C fighter jets.

According to reports, Saudi Arabia selected the Panavia Tornado due to its versatility as a multi-role fighter jet capable of conducting ground attacks and providing various tactical support missions.

The Tornado offers strategic advantages, particularly in complex combat scenarios.

As a key regional power, Saudi Arabia seeks to showcase its military strength amidst growing uncertainties in the region.

Participating in joint air exercises provides the RSAF with a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with other nations involved in Indus Shield 2024.

The exercise not only features practical maneuvers but also offers air force officers a chance to closely observe how each nation integrates the latest technology and strategies into their operations.

This is particularly important for Saudi Arabia, which is heavily investing in the modernization of its armed forces.

Currently, the RSAF operates 87 Panavia Tornado fighter jets, 72 Eurofighter Typhoons, 72 F-15E, 80 F-15, and 83 F-5 aircraft.

Saudi Arabia is also considering further expanding its fleet, particularly with additional F-15s and either Eurofighter Typhoons or Rafale jets from France’s Dassault Aviation.

Boeing has reportedly offered its latest variant, the F-15EX Eagle II, to Saudi Arabia, competing against the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon for a lucrative multi-billion-dollar contract.

The F-15EX will compete with the Rafale, while the Eurofighter Typhoon, developed by a consortium of European companies from the UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy, also remains in contention.

In October last year, Saudi Arabia was reportedly considering acquiring 54 French-made Rafale fighter jets for its air force, following obstacles in its efforts to procure additional Eurofighter Typhoons due to restrictions imposed by Germany. – DSA