Islamabad: A high-level defense delegation led by Commander Iraqi Air Force Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu in Islamabad today. The meeting covered various prospects of mutual cooperation between the two brotherly nations, placing special emphasis on joint training, capacity building, and advancements in the aviation industry.
According to Radio Pakistan, upon his arrival, a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented a Guard of Honor to the visiting dignitary. During the meeting, the Chief of the Air Staff highlighted the deep-rooted religious and historic bonds between Pakistan and Iraq, describing them as the foundation of the enduring relationship between the Air Forces of the two countries. He reaffirmed Pakistan Air Force’s commitment to extending unwavering support to the Iraqi Air Force in the training domain.
The Air Chief also reassured the visiting dignitary that PAF would continue to support the Iraqi Air Force in its capacity-building endeavors. Both Commanders concurred on conducting joint exercises and training initiatives aimed at bolstering interoperability and forging stronger operational synergy between the two Air Forces.
The Commander of the Iraqi Air Force commended the visionary leadership of PAF and acknowledged its transformation into a modern, professional, and technologically advanced Air Force of the region. The visiting dignitary conveyed the Iraqi Air Force’s strong desire to restructure its entire training system, spanning from basic to advanced operational and tactical levels. Acknowledging PAF’s world-class training excellence, he sought support in building a modernized training paradigm for the Iraqi Air Force.
The Iraqi Commander also highlighted the aspiration of his force to benefit from exchange postings of PAF pilots, underscoring the immense value Iraqi aviators attach to learning directly from PAF’s combat-proven professionals. Deeply impressed by the innovative initiatives, indigenous capabilities, and forward-looking vision showcased by PAF at the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, he remarked that the Iraqi Air Force aspires to establish a similar ecosystem in Iraq.
Later, the dignitary visited the National ISR and Integrated Air Operations Centre and PAF Cyber Command, where he was briefed on the operational capabilities and technological initiatives of PAF. The visit of this high-level defense delegation from Iraq to Air Headquarters, Islamabad signifies a resolute commitment of both countries to reinforce their military partnership, fostering collaboration and promoting robust relations.