Baghdad, January 10, 2026: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu called on Commander of the Iraqi Air Force, Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, during his official visit to Iraq, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.
According to ISPR, the Iraqi air chief praised the PAF’s professionalism and technological capabilities, expressed interest in PAF’s world-class training programs, and showed keen interest in JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. He also lauded Pakistan’s contributions to regional stability.
The two air chiefs discussed ways to enhance bilateral military cooperation, focusing on joint training, capacity building, and operational coordination. ACM Sidhu highlighted the deep-rooted religious, cultural, and historical ties between Pakistan and Iraq and reaffirmed the PAF’s commitment to support the Iraqi Air Force in training and capacity development. Both sides agreed to pursue joint exercises and training initiatives to strengthen interoperability.
As part of the visit, ACM Sidhu was accorded a guard of honour at the Iraqi Air Force Headquarters, symbolising the strong bond of mutual respect between the two nations’ air forces. The visit underscored the shared resolve to further strengthen defence ties and professional collaboration.
The development follows recent discussions between ACM Sidhu and Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan in Islamabad regarding the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.
Separately, Bloomberg reported that Turkiye is in advanced talks to join the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The pact considers an attack on either nation as an act of aggression against both, and Turkiye’s inclusion could mark a significant shift in regional security dyanamics, potentially altering the balance of power in the Middle East and beyond.
