The Air exercises are conducted to forge the professional air forces to dominate their adversaries in air combat operations. Following the success of Indus Shield 2023, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) organized Indus Shield 2024 and Indus Shield-C (the bilateral module of Indus Shield 2024) between Pakistan and China, with the motto “Stronger When Together”.
Indus Shield 2024 focused on multi-domain operations, bringing together advanced platforms and high-tech equipment for modern air combat training.
These exercises were a step-up, aimed at gaining training experience with operational value in multi-domain operations (MDOs). Moreover, with their multi-domain operational standards, both exercises pushed the participating forces to achieve the desired outcomes at the right time and place.
In the multilateral Indus Shield 2024, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and 20 other nations participated in the exercise, each in various roles. Apart from combat platforms – J-10 Vigorous Dragons, F-16s, J-17 Thunders, and Panavia Tornados – strategic airlift and aerial refueling aircraft, transport aircraft, electronic warfare aircraft, airborne early warning and control aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and helicopters were involved in the exercises.
In Indus Shield-C, combat platforms including J-16, J-10C, and JF-17 Block III, equipped with high-tech AESA radars, and simulating long-range beyond-visual-range missiles, the lethal HQ-22 surface-to-air missile system, the potent airborne electronic warfare YTG-9 platform, and the KJ-500 airborne early warning system, took part in the exercise.
The involvement of high-tech equipment indicates that Indus Shield is more than just a state-of-the-art air exercise; it is a futuristic one, centered on the integration of technology to enable a seamless transition into modern warfare concepts through an integrated training environment. Like all other air exercises, Indus Shield aspires to be a platform for participants, where they can share best practices, engage in joint training, and learn from one another—essential intangibles for fostering synergy during joint operations.
The exercise emphasized interoperability, fostering strategic partnerships among 25 nations, including Pakistan, China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
However, a question arises: what differentiates Indus Shield from other air exercises in the region and beyond? Firstly, the rules governing this exercise were developed to provide experiences for air personnel in consonance with their future wartime roles. Secondly, Indus Shield focuses on multi-domain operations (MDOs) that address the predominant concerns of 21st-century warfighting dilemmas.
There are few countries focused on honing their abilities in multi-domain operations that are abreast with contemporary warfare parameters, aiming to develop seamless collaboration across all domains for the future battlespace.
Another question arises: how will the Indus Shield benefit the PAF? Firstly, Indus Shield will enable the PAF to transform a set of aspirations into enduring characteristics of its warfare capability through the operational integration of niche and emerging technologies related to the space and cyberspace domains.
Secondly, the exercise will enable the PAF to adapt to future warfare by integrating active and passive sensors, manned and unmanned assets, existing and future platforms, and an intelligence and operations network for collaborative combat under human control, which is highly complex.
PAF’s Cyber and Space Command and ACE training centre are pivotal in aligning operations with future warfare requirements.
The third question arises: what kind of facilities does the PAF have to complement the Indus Shield exercise, which is largely focused on modern air warfare concepts? In recent years, the PAF has prioritized aligning its modernization projects with multi-domain operations (MDOs) under the current Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, to achieve operational excellence.
This forward-thinking approach is evident in the establishment of a Cyber and Space Command—essential elements for MDOs. Furthermore, the PAF Airpower Centre of Excellence (ACE) is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for training pertinent to future warfare. Major General Lancelot Mathebula of the South African Air Force (SAAF), during his participation in Indus Shield, remarked that the PAF ACE training center is “next level” and that it is every air force’s dream.
Indus Shield 2024 and Indus Shield-C were successful, as they enhanced military cooperation, strategic partnerships, and interoperability among the participating nations, as indicated by the remarks of personnel from participating forces.
Moreover, Indus Shield- C symbolizes the close nature of the relationship between PAF and the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), who are continuing on the path of shared destiny.
Indus Shield-C symbolizes the close strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, showcasing advanced collaboration and shared destiny.
Shortly, it will become even more significant when Pakistan inducts the Shenyang J-31 Stealth Fighter into its fleet. These exercises highlight the PAF’s commitment to staying ahead of its adversaries in today’s fast-paced defense environment.
Disclaimer:Â The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
Dr Bilal Ghazanfar is an Associate Senior Researcher at CASS, Lahore. Before joining Punjab University, he was a Lecturer at the University of Central Punjab. He holds an M.Phil. degree in International Relations from National Defense University, Islamabad. His area of research includes but is not limited to South Asia’s security issues, Human security, and Social Transformations. He remained part of Track II diplomatic Initiatives. He is a certified NATO trainer and has delivered lectures at the NATO Centre for Excellence in Ankara.