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Saudi Arabia is enhancing its intergovernmental and military relations with Pakistan by participating in the Indus Shield 2024 exercise. As part of this collaboration, the Royal Saudi Arabian Air Force [RSAF] has deployed six Panavia Tornado Tactical Strike Fighter [IDS] aircraft. Alongside Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey are also contributing their fighter jets to the exercise.
The Indus Shield 2024 exercise is designed to bolster military cooperation and facilitate the exchange of expertise among the air forces of the nations involved—Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey. The event aims to showcase the capabilities, professionalism, and readiness of the Saudi Air Force while providing valuable combat experience to air and support crews in scenarios involving irregular and electronic warfare. Turkey has joined with F-16 fighters, and Egypt has opted to send its Mirage 2000s.
The selection of Tornado IDS aircraft by Saudi Arabia for this exercise is purposeful. Renowned for their ground strike and tactical support roles, the Tornado IDS aircraft offer strategic advantages, as they are built for versatility and high effectiveness in complex combat situations. As a pivotal regional player, Saudi Arabia is eager to display and enhance its military prowess, particularly given the increasing threats of terrorism and conflicts within the Middle East.
Taking part in a multinational exercise gives the Saudi Air Force a valuable chance to exchange knowledge and learn from their counterparts in other nations’ air forces. Not only does it include practical maneuvers but officers also have the unique opportunity to see firsthand how various countries incorporate the latest technologies and strategies into their operations. This is crucial for Saudi Arabia, which heavily invests in the modernization of its military forces and adapting to contemporary combat scenarios.
Saudi Arabia’s goals extend beyond merely showcasing its military strength; it is also about enhancing international alliances. Through these exercises, Riyadh is keen to absorb new operational strategies and improve coordination among different military units, which is vital for maintaining regional stability.
Saudi Arabia operates the Tornado IDS [Interdictor/Strike] fighter jets, known for their impressive technical features. The aircraft measures approximately 16.72 meters in length, with a wingspan of 14.80 meters, and stands 5.56 meters tall. Equipped with two RB199 turbojet engines, these jets can reach speeds of Mach 2.2 [around 2,340 km/h] and boast a combat radius of about 550 km. These engines deliver substantial power and maneuverability, making the Tornado IDS a highly effective multi-role strike aircraft.
The Tornado IDS boasts a suite of advanced guidance and navigation systems such as GPS, Inertial Navigation System [INS], and Doppler radar. These components work together to enhance the accuracy of weapons and improve navigation capabilities. The aircraft is equipped with both thermal and optical sensors, complementing its electronic warfare capabilities. Additionally, it is armed with an impressive array of weapons, including a variety of bombs, guided missiles, and short-range missiles.
Throughout its service, the Tornado IDS has received several updates to elevate its combat prowess. Key among these are enhancements to reconnaissance and fire control systems, enabling the integration of cutting-edge sensors and weaponry. Notably, upgrades in electronic warfare and navigational technologies have significantly boosted the aircraft’s performance in real-world combat scenarios.
The Saudi Arabian Tornado IDS has undergone real combat trials, particularly during the 1991 Gulf War, where it took part in numerous operations and completed roughly 650 sorties. Despite the loss of one aircraft, the successful missions underscored the Tornado IDS’s capabilities and bolstered Saudi Arabia’s confidence in its combat effectiveness.
By taking part in the Indus Shield 2024 exercise, Saudi Arabia is showcasing its Tornado IDS capabilities while seeking to enhance interoperability with partner nations. The goal is to adopt new tactics and technologies that will be advantageous for future military operations in the region.
His Highness, Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, reviewed the equipment used in the exercise and received a briefing on the readiness of the air, technical, and support crews. He also bid farewell to the participating group as they departed from King Abdulaziz Air Base, located in the eastern sector.
The Saudi Arabian armed forces boast a diverse range of combat aircraft, with a notable fleet of fighter and attack aircraft. Key models in the Air Force’s inventory include 80 Boeing F-15 Eagles, 72 Boeing F-15E Strike Eagles, 87 Panavia Tornado IDS, 72 Eurofighter Typhoons, and 83 Northrop F-5s. These aircraft are essential for Royal Air Force operations, and there are plans to add new units, especially from the F-15 and Typhoon models, as part of the fleet’s modernization.
Alongside its current aircraft lineup, Saudi Arabia is looking to enhance its capabilities with new orders. Presently, there are 84 F-15s available, and more Eurofighter Typhoon deliveries are on the horizon. The acquisition of new platforms aligns with the Kingdom’s strategy to bolster its defense capabilities, a crucial endeavor given the geopolitical challenges in the region.
