ISLAMABAD: A high-level delegation, led by Major General Staff Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Mohamed Al-Alawi, Commander of the Air Force and Air Defence of the United Arab Emirates called on Chief of the Air Staff Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu during his visit to Air Headquarters in Islamabad on Thursday, a PAF statement said.
According to the statement the meeting covered a wide range of issues pertaining to geo-strategic environment, regional security and the aspect of exploring new avenues to boost bilateral defence cooperation.
A smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented guard of honour to Major General Staff Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Mohamed Al-Alawi on his arrival at Air Headquarters. He was also introduced to the Principal Staff Officers of Pakistan Air Force.
Later, the visiting dignitary met Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force in his office. During the meeting, Chief of the Air Staff shared broad spectrum of PAF’s modernization drive aimed at expanding current operational capability in the domains of Cyber, Space, Artificial Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Niche technologies.
He also highlighted various ongoing projects of Pakistan Air Force, goals and plans for the restructuring of the force with a keen focus on future warfare. Lauding the participation of UAE Air Force contingent in PAF’s multi-national Exercise Indus Shield, the Air Chief said both the countries enjoy strong brotherly ties and reiterated his resolve to further enhance the existing bilateral relationship in military-to-military cooperation, joint exercises and training domains.
The Commander of the Air Force and Air Defence of the United Arab Emirates expressed his deep appreciation for the remarkable achievements by Pakistan Air Force in the realm of indigenous capabilities and applauded the professionalism of PAF personnel.
Both sides agreed to further optimize existing military ties
Both sides agreed to further optimize the existing military relationship between the two countries with a specific focus on advanced tactical training, emerging technologies and strengthening operational competencies.
The dignitaries also discussed the potential for joint military exercises and exchange programs with an objective to facilitate the exchange of expertise, enhancing interoperability and fostering closer ties between Air Forces of both the brotherly countries.
Commander of the Air Force and Air Defence of the United Arab Emirates also visited different sections of Air Headquarters, Islamabad, including National ISR and Integrated Air Operations Centre and PAF’s Cyber Command.
He also paid a visit to National Aerospace Science and Technology Park and expressed his deep admiration for the project. He praised the dynamic leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force which enabled the realization of this mega project in a record time.
The meeting between the Chief of the Air Staff and the Commander of the Air Force and Air Defence of the United Arab Emirates highlights the strong commitment between the Armed Forces of both the countries in working together to address common challenges and the willingness to further enhance their bilateral ties in the realms of defence and military cooperation.
