The Iraqi Air Force expressed strong interest in Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jets during a meeting with PAF Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. The Iraqi commander praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Air Force and highlighted opportunities for joint training and operational cooperation. Discussions focused on strengthening military ties and enhancing regional stability.
ACM Sidhu met Iraqi Air Force Commander Lt Gen Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi at the Iraqi Air Force headquarters, where he received a formal guard of honor. The talks emphasized capacity building, joint exercises, and training initiatives to improve interoperability between the two air forces. The meeting also reflected deep-rooted cultural, religious, and historical ties between Pakistan and Iraq.
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The Iraqi Air Chief specifically expressed keen interest in Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder jets and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. He commended Pakistan for its technological advancement and world-class training programs, stating that Iraq hoped to benefit from PAF expertise. Both sides agreed to explore ways to expand defense collaboration and professional development in the near future.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, during his official visit to Iraq, called on Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, Commander of the Iraqi Air Force.
The Air Chief was accorded a… pic.twitter.com/efeZc9QnaA
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) January 10, 2026
The visit underscores Pakistan’s growing defense diplomacy in the region. Recently, Bangladesh also showed interest in procuring JF-17 aircraft, while Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are reportedly negotiating a $2 billion deal to convert loans into fighter jets. These developments indicate rising regional demand for Pakistan’s indigenous defense capabilities.
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PAF officials emphasized that the visit strengthens bilateral relations and ensures long-term cooperation between Islamabad and Baghdad. Both air forces reaffirmed their commitment to regional security, technological collaboration, and professional exchanges. The meetings signal Pakistan’s expanding influence in defense exports and joint military exercises across Asia and the Middle East.