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), at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. The meeting underscores a mutual commitment to reinforce military partnerships, foster collaboration, and promote robust relations between the two brotherly nations. Upon his arrival, the Commander of the Iraqi Air Force was honored with a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force.
During the meeting, the two Air Chiefs discussed various avenues of mutual cooperation, with a special focus on joint training, capacity building, and advancements in the aviation industry. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu highlighted the deep-rooted religious and historic bonds that form the foundation of the enduring relationship between the Air Forces of Pakistan and Iraq. He reaffirmed the PAF’s commitment to providing unwavering support to the Iraqi Air Force in the training domain and its capacity-building endeavors. The commanders concurred on the importance of conducting joint exercises and training initiatives to bolster interoperability and forge a stronger operational synergy.
The Commander of the Iraqi Air Force expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to his delegation. He commended the visionary leadership of the PAF and acknowledged its transformation into a modern, professional, and technologically advanced Air Force in the region. The visiting dignitary conveyed the Iraqi Air Force’s strong desire to restructure its entire training system, from basic to advanced operational and tactical levels. Acknowledging the PAF’s world-class training excellence, he sought support in establishing a modernized training paradigm for the Iraqi Air Force. He also highlighted the aspiration of his force to benefit from exchange postings of PAF pilots, underscoring the immense value Iraqi aviators place on learning directly from the PAF’s combat-proven professionals.
Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi was also deeply 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 one umbrella.
The dignitary’s visit also included briefings at the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre and the PAF Cyber Command, where he was briefed on the operational capabilities and technological initiatives of the Pakistan Air Force.
The visit of this high-level Iraqi defense delegation to Air Headquarters, Islamabad, signifies a resolute commitment by both countries to strengthen their military partnership, fostering collaboration and promoting robust relations for regional security and stability.
