Typhoons make sandy terrain their domain as RAF tests combat readiness in Saudi Arabia

Royal Air Force Typhoons could arguably be described as the tip of the spear when it comes to their combat effectiveness – and have been demonstrating that capability in Saudi Arabia.

The RAF jets have been taking part in Exercise Spears of Victory 2026, one of the largest multinational air exercises in the Middle East.

The exercise is hosted by the Saudi defence ministry at the Air Warfare Centre in the kingdom's Eastern Province.

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RAF personnel have been operating alongside the Saudi armed forces and allies from across the Gulf, Europe, Asia and North America as part of a 15-nation coalition focused on strengthening joint air power, interoperability and operational integration. 

Spears of Victory is designed to enhance combined planning and execution, improve combat readiness and improve the ability of allied forces to operate and work together in complex, high-threat environments. 

The training includes combined and joint air operations, advanced tactical missions and planning activities. 

In further recognition of the partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, Prince William is arriving in the country for a three-day visit that coincides with the exercise.

The drills are also placing a strong emphasis on modern warfare domains, like electronic and cyber operations, reflecting the evolving nature of contemporary conflict and the need for agile, networked air power. 

Beyond the cyber domain, the exercise provides personnel with a realistic operational setting to examine tactics, systems, and command-and-control arrangements, while strengthening military partnerships and collective deterrence. 

The nations participating in the exercise include Bahrain, Bangladesh, France, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Another warplane of note was the F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 52, flown by the Pakistani air force.

While the Block 70/72 Viper is the very latest iteration, the Block 52 comes in a close second and is one of the most lethal combat aircraft ever built, with its Cold War-era airframe boosted by modern-day avionics.