The Iraqi Air Force has expressed keen interest in Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jet and praised the professionalism and operational capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force.

The Iraqi Air Force expressed its interest during an official visit to Iraq by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu visited the Iraqi Air Force headquarters, where he was presented with a guard of honour before holding talks with the Iraqi Air Force commander, Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al Asadi.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defence and air force cooperation, with both sides exchanging views on joint training, capacity-building and exploring new avenues of future collaboration.

The PAF chief assured Iraq of Pakistan’s full support in the training domain, ISPR said.

The meeting also highlighted the longstanding religious, cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Iraq.

Both sides agreed to hold joint air force exercises to further enhance operational coordination and mutual understanding.

The ISPR said the Iraqi Air Force chief praised the professionalism and operational capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force and expressed a strong interest in the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft.

The Iraqi side also showed interest in Pakistan’s Super Mushshak trainer aircraft.

The Iraqi air chief commended Pakistan’s role in promoting regional stability, the ISPR added, noting that the visit is expected to further strengthen defence and air force ties between Pakistan and Iraq.