Pakistan Air Force Conducts ‘Golden Eagle Exercise’ Amid Fears of Operation Sindoor 2.0

Islamabad: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has conducted a major military exercise, dubbed “Golden Eagle,” aimed at testing its combat readiness and operational efficiency. According to a statement released Tuesday by the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the exercise focused on a two-force construct emphasizing AI-enabled, network-centric operations and the integration of indigenous smart technology in response to evolving regional security dynamics.

First Major Exercise Since May Conflict with India

This marks the PAF’s first large-scale war exercise since the four-day conflict with India in May last year, during which Pakistan’s air defenses struggled to counter Indian missile strikes. During Operation Sindoor, India had targeted nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and POK with precision missile strikes. The PAF failed to intercept these missiles, and on May 10, the Indian Air Force carried out targeted strikes on 11 Pakistani airbases, leaving Pakistani fighter jets largely grounded after May 7, except for the first night of conflict.

Focus on Modern Combat Capabilities

The ISPR statement highlighted that the exercise included first-shoot, first-kill swing-role combat aircraft equipped with long-range BVR air-to-air missiles, extended-range stand-off weapons, and precision strike capabilities. These aircraft were supported by airborne early warning and control platforms and air-to-air refueling assets, underscoring the PAF’s push to modernize its operational framework.

Emphasis on Drone Warfare

Defense analysts in Pakistan have repeatedly warned that the country’s air defenses are inadequate to counter Indian missiles. In light of this, the PAF has increasingly focused on drone warfare, rapidly expanding its UAV inventory over the past few months. Drones were actively incorporated into the Golden Eagle exercise to enhance Pakistan’s tactical and strategic capabilities in modern aerial combat scenarios.

Outlook

The Golden Eagle exercise signals Pakistan’s renewed efforts to bolster its air power and adapt to changing regional security challenges, particularly amid fears of a potential follow-up conflict with India, dubbed Operation Sindoor 2.0.