PAF and Iraqi Air Force discuss enhancing cooperation in training, capacity building
A high-level Iraqi defense delegation, led by Lieutenant
General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, Commander of the
Iraqi Air Force, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of
the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), during an official visit to Air
Headquarters, Islamabad.
The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral military
cooperation, with particular emphasis on joint training, capacity building, and
aviation industry development. The visit
underscores the longstanding and strategic defense partnership between Pakistan
and Iraq.
Upon arrival, the Iraqi Air Force Commander was presented
with a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned-out PAF contingent.
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During the meeting, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu highlighted the historical
and religious ties that bind the two nations and reaffirmed PAF’s full support
for Iraq’s efforts to modernize and strengthen its air force, particularly in
the training domain.
“Pakistan Air Force is committed to supporting the Iraqi Air
Force in its journey toward enhanced operational readiness and professional
excellence,” the Air Chief stated.
Both sides agreed to initiate joint exercises and training
programs to boost interoperability and deepen operational collaboration.
General Al-Asadi expressed gratitude for the warm reception
and praised the professionalism and technological advancement of PAF. He voiced
Iraq’s strong interest in restructuring its training framework, ranging from
basic flight training to advanced tactical operations, and sought PAF’s
assistance in developing a modernized training ecosystem.
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He also emphasized the importance of exchange postings,
noting that Iraqi pilots value learning from PAF’s combat-experienced
professionals. Inspired by the PAF’s National Aerospace Science &
Technology Park (NASTP), he expressed a desire to develop a similar platform in
Iraq, integrating academia, industry, and military capability development under
one roof.
The delegation later visited the National ISR &
Integrated Air Operations Centre and PAF Cyber Command, where they were briefed
on PAF’s operational readiness and technological advancements.
The visit marks a significant step in strengthening defense
ties between Pakistan and Iraq, signaling a shared commitment to deepening
military cooperation and building long-term strategic partnerships.
Source: Lead Pakistan