Pakistan Air Force holds AI-enabled, net-centric exercise

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA)—The Pakistani Air Force concluded the "Golden Eagle" military exercise, which focused on AI-enabled and net-centric operations, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday

Exercise Golden Eagle was conducted in the Southern Air Command’s area of responsibility, aimed at validating combat readiness and operational agility through the synchronized employment of the Air Force's complete combat potential, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

"The exercise was conducted on a Two-Force construct, focusing on AI-enabled, net-centric operations while integrating indigenous niche, disruptive and smart technologies in line with evolving regional security dynamics," it said.

Within an Integrated Air Defense System, kinetic operations were integrated with cyber, space, and electromagnetic spectrum operations.

The kinetic phase featured first-shoot, first-kill swing-role combat aircraft equipped with long-range beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, extended-range standoff weapons, and precision-strike capabilities.

These assets were supported by airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems and air-to-air refuelers.

Manned-unmanned teaming was also featured, with deep-reach strike drones and loitering munitions operating in a "highly contested, congested and degraded environment."

The exercise "reaffirms Pakistan Air Force’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a high state of operational preparedness, leveraging indigenous innovation and effectively countering emerging and future security challenges," the army said.