Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), currently on an official visit to Iraq, called on Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, Commander of the Iraqi Air Force, at the Iraqi Air Force Headquarters today.
Upon his arrival, the Air Chief was accorded a formal Guard of Honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Iraqi Air Force, symbolizing the deep-seated mutual respect and professional bond between the two services.
#ISPR
Rawalpindi, 10 January, 2026:Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, #Pakistan Air Force, during his official visit to #Iraq, called on Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, Commander of the Iraqi Air… pic.twitter.com/2vJZRZVAMn
— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) January 10, 2026
Strategic Discussions and Interoperability
During the meeting, both dignitaries engaged in high-level discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral military cooperation. The talks focused on:
- Capacity Building: Reaffirming PAF’s commitment to support the Iraqi Air Force through advanced training programs and technical expertise.
- Operational Synergy: Agreement to initiate joint aerial exercises to bolster interoperability and share modern tactical knowledge.
- Regional Stability: Both leaders reviewed the prevailing security environment and emphasized the role of military-to-military cooperation in maintaining regional peace.
Interest in JF-17 Thunder and Super Mushshak
The Commander of the Iraqi Air Force lauded the PAF’s high standards of professionalism and its rapid technological advancements. He expressed a keen interest in the JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter jets and the Super Mushshak primary trainer aircraft, acknowledging their combat-proven capabilities and cost-effectiveness. The Iraqi Air Chief further stated that his force looks forward to benefiting from the PAF’s world-class training facilities.
Strengthening Historical Ties
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu highlighted the deep-rooted religious, cultural, and historical ties that bind Pakistan and Iraq. He assured the Iraqi leadership of the PAF’s full cooperation in modernizing their air assets and developing their human resources through rigorous training modules.
The visit marks a significant milestone in the defense relations between the two brotherly nations, underscoring a shared resolve to transform historical ties into a robust strategic partnership.
