Pakistan and UAE air forces agreed to expand the existing military ties between the two countries with a specific focus on “advanced tactical training, emerging technologies and strengthening operational competencies.”
This was agreed during UAE Air Force Commander visit to Pakistan Air Force headquarters in Islamabad. The visit was aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties in defense and military cooperation.
The Commander of the Air Force & Air Defense of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Major General Staff Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Mohamed Al-Alawi, led a high-level delegation to Air Headquarters, Islamabad ton October 26, 2023.
The UAE Air Force delegation was welcomed by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu.
The discussions revolved around several crucial sectors. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer elaborated on Pakistan Air Force’s ongoing modernization efforts, focusing on strengthening its capabilities in Cyber, Space, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Electronic Warfare, and niche technologies. He underscored various projects that are shaping the future of the Pakistan Air Force.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Babar appreciated the UAE Air Force’s participation in Pakistan’s multi-national Exercise Indus Shield-2023. This exemplified the strong brotherly relations between the two countries. He affirmed his commitment to enhancing the existing ties in military-to-military cooperation, joint exercises, and training domains.
UAE Air Force Commander Major General Staff Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Mohamed Al-Alawi reciprocated this sentiment by praising Pakistan Air Force’s remarkable progress in developing indigenous capabilities. Both parties concurred on the need to optimize existing military relations with a special focus on advanced tactical training, emerging technologies, and strengthening operational competencies.
The potential for joint military exercises and exchange programs was also explored to promote the exchange of expertise and enhance interoperability.
During his visit to Air Headquarters, Major General Staff Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Mohamed Al-Alawi had the opportunity to tour various installations and technological infrastructure, including the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre and PAF’s Cyber Command. He also visited the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP), where he commended the visionary leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber for facilitating the realization of this ambitious project.