Iraqi air chief expresses 'keen interest in JF-17 Thunder jets' in meeting with PAF chief

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu met his Iraqi counterpart, Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, during an official visit to Iraq.

Durign the meeting, both air chiefs agreed to expand cooperation between their air forces, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The Pakistani air chief was received with a guard of honour at Iraqi Air Force Headquarters, "symbolizing the strong bond of mutual respect". 

The two commanders discussed enhancing bilateral military ties, with a focus on joint training programmes, capacity building and improved operational cooperation.

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Air Chief Marshal Sidhu highlighted the religious, cultural and historical bonds between Pakistan and Iraq, and reaffirmed Pakistan Air Force’s commitment to supporting the Iraqi Air Force through training and professional development initiatives. Both sides agreed to pursue joint exercises and training activities aimed at strengthening interoperability between the two air forces.

Lieutenant General Al-Asadi praised the professionalism and technological progress of the Pakistan Air Force and expressed interest in benefiting from its training systems. He also conveyed "keen interest in JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, Super Mushshak trainer aircraft".

The visit underscored the shared intent of Pakistan and Iraq to deepen defence ties and expand professional collaboration between their air forces.