The “Shaheen” Joint Aerial Exercise will return to China for the 10th time, following a two-year break due to COVID-19 limitations. This joint exercise between the Chinese and Pakistani air forces is slated to take place in China between September and October 2023.
A long-running military cooperation programme called “Shaheen” aims to improve the two air forces’ capacity to work together and to build confidence between them. The exercise includes a variety of activities, including as ground attack training, air-to-air refuelling, and air combat training.
The exercise this year has special significance since it may include the participation of the Chinese J-20 stealth fighter, a 5th generation aircraft that is still being developed and has not yet been marketed to other countries. China has shown interest in including other nations in the “Shaheen” exercise, providing the J-20 with a possible chance to showcase its capabilities on an international scale.
The Pakistani F-16 fighter plane, the Chinese J-10 fighter jet, and the Pakistani JF-17 Thunder fighter jet are all anticipated to participate in the drill in addition to the J-20. Additionally, ground-based resources like command and control facilities and air defence systems will be highlighted.