ISLAMABAD: Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has expressed keen interest in leveraging Pakistan Air Force’s state-of-the-art training ecosystem and aerospace development infrastructure to enhance the country’s defence capabilities.
He said this during a meeting with Pakistan Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, who called on him during a visit to Indonesia, a military statement said on Friday.
“The Air Chief underscored the shared values and longstanding brotherhood between Pakistan and Indonesia,” said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The Air Chief also held separate meetings with Indonesia’s Defence Minister, Lieutenant General (Retd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, and the Indonesian Air Chief.
In discussions with the Indonesian Air Chief, both sides explored strengthening Air Force-to-Air Force cooperation, conducting joint training from basic to advanced levels, facilitating professional exchanges, and collaborating in emerging aerospace domains.
#ISPR
Rawalpindi, 13 February, 2026Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, #Pakistan Air Force, during his official visit to #Indonesia, called on President Prabowo Subianto.
During the meeting, the Air Chief underscored the shared values… pic.twitter.com/Gxp2M1hZzy
— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) February 13, 2026
“The Indonesian Air Chief sought PAF’s support in advancing operational and flying training, acknowledging PAF’s rich combat experience,” ISPR said.
In recognition of his efforts to bolster bilateral air power cooperation, the Air Chief was conferred the Medal of Honour, the highest award of the Indonesian Air Force.
The Air Chief also attended a joint meeting with the Defence Minister and Chief of Defence Forces of Indonesia, where a broad range of defence and security issues were discussed.
“The Indonesian leadership appreciated PAF’s professionalism, modernization drive, and lauded the advanced technological infrastructure of the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park,” ISPR said.
It may be recalled that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited Pakistan in December last year and held a meeting with Pakistan Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, to discuss regional security and bilateral defence cooperation.
Pakistan and Indonesia share historically strong diplomatic and economic ties, dating back to Indonesia’s early recognition of Pakistan in 1947.
Both countries maintain close cooperation at regional and global forums, including the OIC, ASEAN-related engagements, and various multilateral initiatives.
Pakistan and Indonesia also work together on trade, investment, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian efforts, particularly in conflict-affected regions like Gaza and Somalia.
