ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu met Commander Iraqi Air Force Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi during his official visit to Iraq, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.
According to the ISPR, the Iraqi air chief lauded the Pakistan Air Force for its professionalism, operational excellence and technological advancement. He expressed keen interest in Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, and appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional stability.
During the meeting, both air chiefs held detailed discussions on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, with particular focus on joint training programmes, capacity building and enhanced operational collaboration.
The PAF air chief highlighted the deep-rooted religious, cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Iraq, and reaffirmed PAF’s commitment to support the Iraqi Air Force in training and human resource development. Both sides agreed to pursue joint exercises and training initiatives to further improve interoperability between the two air forces.
ACM Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu was also accorded a guard of honour at the Iraqi Air Force Headquarters, symbolising mutual respect and strong defence relations.
The visit reaffirmed the shared resolve of both air forces to further strengthen defence ties and professional cooperation.
Meanwhile, the development comes days after Pakistan and Bangladesh Air Force chiefs discussed potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder aircraft during a meeting held in Islamabad, according to ISPR.
Separately, international media reports indicated that Turkiye is in advanced discussions to join the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, a move that could significantly impact regional security dynamics.