- Air Chief Sidhu pledges full support in training, capacity building of Iraqi Air Force
- Both commanders concur on enhancing interoperability, stronger operational synergy
- Iraqi Commander lauds PAF’s transformation into a modern, tech-driven air power
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has reaffirmed its unwavering support to the Iraqi Air Force in training and capacity building, with both sides agreeing to enhance collaboration through joint exercises, training initiatives and deeper cooperation in the aviation industry, according to the military’s media wing on Thursday.
This understanding was reached during a meeting between Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, and Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, Commander of the Iraqi Air Force, who led a high-level defence delegation to Air Headquarters, Islamabad, a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
The Air Chief underscored the deep-rooted religious and historic bonds between Pakistan and Iraq as the foundation of their enduring defence partnership. He assured the visiting dignitary of PAF’s full support in modernising Iraq’s training system, from basic to advanced operational and tactical levels. Both commanders also concurred on enhancing interoperability and forging stronger operational synergy through joint initiatives, the ISPR said.
Earlier, upon arrival, a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented a Guard of Honour to the Commander of the Iraqi Air Force.
Lt-Gen Al-Asadi expressed appreciation for the warm reception and commended PAF’s visionary leadership in transforming the force into a modern, professional and technologically advanced air arm of the region. Acknowledging PAF’s world-class training excellence, he sought Pakistani support in building a modernised training paradigm for the Iraqi Air Force and voiced interest in exchange postings of PAF pilots to benefit from their combat-proven experience.
He was particularly impressed by the innovative initiatives, indigenous capabilities and forward-looking vision showcased at the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park, and remarked that the Iraqi Air Force aspires to establish a similar ecosystem by integrating academia, industry, and military needs under one umbrella.
Later, the Iraqi Commander visited the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre and PAF Cyber Command, where he was briefed on PAF’s operational capabilities and technological initiatives.
A day earlier, Lt-Gen Al-Asadi also called on General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI, NI (M), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi, according to ISPR. Both sides discussed the evolving global and regional geostrategic landscape and reaffirmed their resolve to expand defence and security cooperation for regional peace and stability. The visiting dignitary lauded the professional standards of Pakistan Armed Forces and their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
On arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, he was presented with a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned-out tri-services contingent.
