The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is preparing to conduct a major joint tactical exercise under the banner of “Zarb-e-Haideri” in the southern region of the country.
The primary aim of Zarb-e-Haideri is to enhance operational readiness and foster coordination between various branches of the military. The Zarb-e-Haideri exercise will feature a wide array of sophisticated aircraft and advanced defense technologies.
Zarb-e-Haideri Exercise
The J-10C is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the PAF arsenal, equipped with cutting-edge avionics, radar systems, and weaponry. With its multi-role combat capability, the J-10C can conduct air superiority missions, ground attack operations, and reconnaissance, making it a versatile asset in any tactical operation.
Its ability to engage in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, combined with its exceptional maneuverability, makes it a powerful tool in modern aerial warfare. The F-16 will play a crucial role in Zarb-e-Haideri, participating in simulated aerial dogfights and precision strikes.
The JF-17 Thunder represents a significant achievement for Pakistan’s indigenous defense capabilities. This lightweight, multi-role fighter aircraft has been developed to perform various combat missions, from air superiority to close air support.
The HQ-9 is a state-of-the-art surface-to-air missile system that provides effective air defense capabilities, capable of targeting both aircraft and ballistic missiles.
The inclusion of HQ-9 HIMAD systems in the exercise will allow the PAF to simulate high-intensity aerial threats, showcasing its strategic air defense capabilities.
The AEW&C aircraft will serve as a critical component in the exercise, providing early detection of incoming threats and enabling better coordination between air and ground forces.
Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs)
The exercise will also feature Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), including High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) and Medium-Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones.
The Killer Drones are another critical asset in the PAF’s arsenal, designed to carry out precision strikes against high-value targets. Their participation in Zarb-e-Haideri will demonstrate Pakistan’s capability to conduct targeted strikes with minimal collateral damage.
The jamming systems and signals intelligence (SIGINT)/electronic intelligence (ELINT) platforms, both air and ground-based, will simulate cyberattacks and electronic threats, allowing the PAF to refine its ability to defend against and counteract such tactics.
The Zarb-e-Haideri exercise comes at a time of rising geopolitical tensions in South Asia, particularly between Pakistan and India. Pakistan has strongly rejected any involvement in the attack, calling for an international investigation under transparent and credible supervision.
- Strengthening Deterrence: It enhances Pakistan’s ability to deter any potential aggression by showcasing its military capabilities.
- Operational Readiness: It allows the PAF to fine-tune its ability to respond to regional conflicts and threats.
- International Messaging: The exercise is a clear message to the international community that Pakistan is prepared to defend its sovereignty and interests, particularly in the face of escalating tensions with India.
Successful military operations rely on the seamless integration of various assets, including fighter jets, ground forces, and air defense systems.
 is set to launch a high-stakes military exercise, "Zarb-e-Haideri," in the southern region.){kind=link}