Web Desk: Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), held a series of high-level meetings with military leaders from allied nations during the Dubai Airshow 2025.
Strategic Discussions with UAE Military Leadership
On the sidelines of the event, the Air Chief met Lieutenant General Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi, Undersecretary of Defence of the UAE, and Major General Rashid Mohammed Al-Shamsi, Commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in advanced training programs, promoting joint initiatives in emerging aerospace technologies, and improving mechanisms for operational coordination. UAE officials praised the PAF’s modernization efforts and growing indigenous capabilities, emphasizing a shared commitment to deepen military engagement through joint exercises, professional exchanges, and strategic partnerships.
Pakistan Showcases Indigenous Aviation Expertise
The PAF contingent, participating in the airshow, brought advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighters and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, highlighting Pakistan’s expanding capabilities in domestic military aviation. The JF-17 Thunder Block-III emerged as a centerpiece of the exhibition, attracting attention from defence analysts, aviation experts, and international visitors. Its state-of-the-art technology, multirole combat capacity, and operational performance reinforced its reputation as a reliable and cost-effective fighter jet.
International Interest and Defence Partnerships
The display of Pakistan’s aviation assets generated significant international interest, with several countries exploring potential acquisitions of the JF-17 Thunder. In a major development, Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a friendly nation for the procurement of the fighter jet, marking a key milestone in expanding Pakistan’s defence collaborations and industrial partnerships on the global stage.
