The commander of the Iraqi Air Force has expressed strong interest in Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and praised the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) professionalism during a high-level meeting in Iraq, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday.
PAF Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, who is on an official visit to Iraq, met Iraqi Air Force Commander Lt Gen Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi at the Iraqi Air Force headquarters. ACM Sidhu was presented with a guard of honour on his arrival.
According to ISPR, the discussions focused on strengthening bilateral military cooperation, particularly in the areas of joint training, capacity building and enhanced operational coordination. The two sides agreed to pursue joint exercises and training programmes to improve interoperability between their air forces.
During the meeting, ACM Sidhu highlighted the longstanding religious, cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Iraq, and reaffirmed PAF’s commitment to supporting the Iraqi Air Force in training and capacity development.
The Iraqi air chief commended the PAF for its professionalism and technological progress, and expressed interest in benefiting from Pakistan’s advanced training infrastructure. He also conveyed keen interest in acquiring JF-17 Thunder fighter jets as well as Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. Additionally, he appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional stability.
ISPR said the visit reflected the shared determination of both air forces to further deepen defence ties and professional collaboration.The JF-17 Thunder is a jointly developed fighter aircraft by Pakistan and China. Earlier this week, Bangladesh also indicated interest in the potential procurement of the aircraft.
Separately, media reports suggest that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are discussing the conversion of around $2 billion in Saudi loans into a JF-17 fighter jet deal, signaling closer military cooperation following a mutual defence pact signed last year.