11 September, 2025: 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 at Air Headquarters, Islamabad.
The meeting covered various prospects of mutual cooperation between the two brotherly nations, placing special emphasis on joint training, capacity building and advancements in the aviation industry.
Upon his arrival, a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented Guard of Honour to Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi.
During the meeting Chief of the Air Staff 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 Pakistan Air Force’s commitment in extending unwavering support to the Iraqi Air Force in the training domain.
The Air Chief also reassured the visiting dignitary that PAF would continue to support Iraqi Air Force in it’s capacity building endeavors. Both Commanders concurred on conducting joint exercises and training initiatives aimed at bolstering interoperability and forging stronger operational synergy between the two Air Forces.
The Commander of the Iraqi Air Force conveyed his sincere appreciation for the warm reception and generous hospitality accorded to his delegation. He commended the visionary leadership of PAF and acknowledged its transformation into a modern, professional and technologically advanced Air Force of the region. The visiting dignitary conveyed the Iraqi Air Force’s strong desire to restructure its entire training system spanning from basic to advanced tactical and operational levels.
Acknowledging PAF’s world-class training excellence, he also sought support in building a modernized training paradigm for the Iraqi Air Force. The Iraqi Commander highlighted the aspiration of his force to benefit from exchange postings of PAF pilots, underscoring the immense value Iraqi aviators attach to learning directly from PAF’s combat-proven professionals. Deeply impressed by the innovative initiatives, indigenous capabilities and forward-looking vision showcased by PAF at the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park, he remarked 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. Later, the dignitary visited National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre and PAF Cyber Command, where he was briefed on the operational capabilities and technological initiatives of PAF.
The visit of this high level defence delegation from Iraq to Air Headquarters, Islamabad signifies a resolute commitment of both countries to reinforce their military partnership, fostering collaboration and promoting robust relations.
PAF SPOKESPERSON
