ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iraq have agreed to deepen collaboration between their air forces through joint training, capacity building, and advancements in the aviation industry, the Pakistani military’s media wing stated on Thursday.
According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday, 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 at Air Headquarters, Islamabad.
It said during the meeting, both sides discussed various prospects of mutual cooperation between the two brotherly nations, placing special emphasis on joint training, capacity building, and advancements in the aviation industry.
The Chief of the Air Staff, in his remarks, emphasised the deep-rooted religious and historical ties between Pakistan and Iraq, describing them as the foundation of the strong and enduring relationship between the air forces of both countries.
He reaffirmed the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) commitment to providing steadfast support to the Iraqi Air Force in the area of training.
The Air Chief also assured the visiting delegation that PAF would continue to assist the Iraqi Air Force in its capacity-building efforts.
Both commanders agreed to conduct joint exercises and training programs aimed at enhancing interoperability and fostering closer operational cooperation between their forces.
The Commander of the Iraqi Air Force praised the visionary leadership of the PAF and recognised its transformation into a modern, professional, and technologically advanced air force within the region.
The Iraqi Commander also conveyed his strong desire to overhaul the Iraqi Air Force’s training system, covering everything from basic instruction to advanced operational and tactical levels.
Acknowledging PAF’s world-class training capabilities, he requested support in developing a modernised training framework 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 learn directly from PAF’s combat-proven professionals.
Deeply impressed by the innovative initiatives, indigenous capabilities, and forward-looking vision demonstrated by the Pakistan Air Force at the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park, the Iraqi Commander expressed his aspiration to establish a similar ecosystem in Iraq.
He drew inspiration from PAF’s successful model of integrating academia, industry, and military requirements under one unified framework.
Subsequently, the dignitary visited the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre and the PAF Cyber Command, where he received briefings on the operational capabilities and technological advancements of the Pakistan Air Force.
Upon his arrival, a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented a Guard of Honour to Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi.
In recent years, Pakistan and Iraq have strengthened their ties through enhanced defence cooperation, with Islamabad often offering training to Iraqi security forces.
In 2014, Iraq acquired Super Mushak trainer aircraft from Pakistan, further solidifying the defence relations between the two Muslim-majority countries.
