A high-level defense delegation, led by Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, the Commander of the Iraqi Air Force, visited Air Headquarters in Islamabad today. The delegation was received by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF). This visit underscores the shared commitment of both nations to deepen their military partnership and enhance collaboration in the aviation sector.
Upon his arrival, Lieutenant General Al-Asadi was accorded a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force. The subsequent meeting between the two air chiefs focused on a wide range of cooperation prospects, with a specific emphasis on joint training, capacity building, and advancements in the aviation industry.
Commitment to Unwavering Support
During the meeting, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu underscored the deep-rooted religious and historic bonds that form the foundation of the enduring relationship between the two brotherly nations. He reaffirmed the PAF’s commitment to providing unwavering support to the Iraqi Air Force in training and capacity building. The commanders agreed to conduct joint exercises and training initiatives to bolster interoperability and forge stronger operational synergy.
Lieutenant General Al-Asadi expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality. He commended the visionary leadership of the PAF and recognized its transformation into a modern, professional, and technologically advanced Air Force. The visiting dignitary stated that the Iraqi Air Force is looking to restructure its entire training system, from basic to advanced operational and tactical levels, and sought the PAF’s support in building this modernized training paradigm. He also expressed the Iraqi Air Force’s desire to benefit from exchange postings of PAF pilots, highlighting the immense value Iraqi aviators place on learning from the PAF’s combat-proven professionals.
Shared Vision for Technological Advancement
The Iraqi Commander was notably impressed by the innovative initiatives, indigenous capabilities, and forward-looking vision showcased by the PAF at the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park. He remarked that the Iraqi Air Force aspires to establish a similar ecosystem in Iraq, drawing inspiration from the PAF’s model of integrating academia, industry, and military needs under a single umbrella.
The high-level delegation’s visit to the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre and the PAF Cyber Command further solidified the mutual understanding and commitment to shared technological goals. They received a detailed briefing on the operational capabilities and technological initiatives of the PAF, which showcased the force’s progress in modern air warfare.
This visit signifies a resolute commitment by both Pakistan and Iraq to reinforce their military partnership, fostering robust relations and promoting collaboration for regional security and stability.
