Iraqi Delegation Visits Air Headquarters

PAF PRESS RELEASE
IRAQI DELEGATION VISITS AIR HEADQUARTERS
20 August, 2024: A high level Iraqi delegation led by Lieutenant General Ahmed Dawood Salman, General Secretary, Ministry of Defence Iraq, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force in his office today. The meeting underscored several key areas of mutual interest with a special focus on bilateral training and the exploration of expanded collaboration between both the countries, specially in the aviation sector.
During the meeting, the Air Chief outlined the framework of PAF's comprehensive modernization strategy involving procurement of technological equipment from allied countries, upgradation of critical infrastructure, restructuring of training and indigenization efforts in order to address contemporary air warfare challenges. He reiterated PAF's unwavering support to provide capacity-building assistance to the Iraqi Air Force in upgradation of it's human resource, maintenance parameters and operational training. In this regard, CAS emphasized on the tangible support extended by PAF to the Iraqi Air Force, including the recent delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft and its support equipment within the stipulated timeframe. He highlighted that the disbursement of the payment of 20 Million USD to Pakistan by Iraq, has further bolstered the national exchequer. Chief of the Air Staff also commended the strong religious, cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Iraq, which are manifested through strong ties between the Air Forces of both the countries.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Dawood Salman, commended the professionalism of PAF and lauded the innovative strides & indigenization efforts of Pakistan Air Force under the current leadership. He also appreciated Pakistan's efforts in promoting regional peace and stability. Both sides concurred to further optimize the existing military ties between the two countries with a specific focus on advanced tactical training, emerging technologies and strengthening operational competencies. This includes training extended by PAF to personnel of Iraqi Air Force in the domains of Pilot Training, Air Defence and Cyber technology, which is expected to commence soon at various institutes of Pakistan Air Force. The delegation expressed admiration for PAF's indigenization initiatives and expressed a strong interest in acquiring JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, as well as an additional 12 Super Mushak Trainer aircraft, along with maintenance and lifecycle support from PAF, emphasizing the potential for enhanced collaboration.
Earlier, the Iraqi delegation visited National Aerospace Science & Technology Park where the delegation was briefed on the cutting-edge projects and technological initiatives being spearheaded by Pakistan Air Force. The General Secretary, Ministry of Defence Iraq, expressed his deep appreciation for the Research and Development being carried out at National Aerospace Science & Technology Park, making it a hub for innovation and technological advancement.
The visit of Iraqi delegation to Pakistan signifies a resolute commitment from both nations to reinforce their existing partnership through fostering collaboration and promoting robust relations between their respective Air Forces.
PAF SPOKESPERSON