A high-level defence 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 on Thursday.

Upon his arrival, Lieutenant General Al-Asadi was presented with a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the PAF.

According to an ISPR statement, the meeting focused on “various prospects of mutual cooperation between the two brotherly nations, placing special emphasis 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 between Pakistan and Iraq, describing them as the foundation of the enduring relationship between the Air Forces of the two countries.” He reaffirmed PAF’s commitment to providing “unwavering support to the Iraqi Air Force in the training domain” and assured continued assistance in its capacity building.

Both commanders agreed to conduct joint exercises and training initiatives “aimed at bolstering interoperability and forging stronger operational synergy between the two Air Forces.”

The Iraqi Air Force commander expressed appreciation for the “warm reception and generous hospitality” and commended the “visionary leadership of PAF,” acknowledging its transformation into a modern, professional, and technologically advanced air force. He conveyed Iraq’s intent to “restructure its entire training system spanning from basic to advanced operational and tactical levels,” seeking PAF’s support in developing a modernised training paradigm.

Highlighting the value of exchange postings, Lieutenant General Al-Asadi underscored the importance Iraqi aviators attach to learning directly from PAF’s “combat-proven professionals.” He also praised the initiatives at the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park (NASTP), stating that the Iraqi Air Force “aspires to establish a similar ecosystem in Iraq, drawing inspiration from PAF’s model of integrating academia, industry and military needs under one umbrella.”

During the visit, the Iraqi delegation also toured the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre and the PAF Cyber Command, where they were briefed on operational capabilities and technological initiatives.

ISPR stated that the visit “signifies a resolute commitment of both countries to reinforce their military partnership, fostering collaboration and promoting robust relations.”