Pakistan, Iran Eye Growing Cooperation in Air Force Training

Pakistan and Iran are seeking to grow the collaboration between their two air forces in the training domain. Pakistan Air Chief, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Reza Amiri Moghadam met in September, during which time the enhanced partnership was discussed.

During the meeting, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu emphasized on the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) transformation into a Next Generation Air Force, which he said driven by a multi-faceted approach, encompassing smart acquisitions from allied countries, infrastructure upgrades and a revamped training framework. He reiterated the PAF's commitment to fostering bilateral cooperation, specifically the provision of tactical level training to Iranian aircrew by experienced PAF personnel.

Moghadam pledged to further strengthen the bilateral military relationship between both air forces, particularly in the areas of training and aerospace cooperation. He commended the PAF's Next Generation Training Programme and expressed deep interest in expanding cooperation regarding cross-training on the Super Mushshak aircraft.

Moghadam also highlighted the potential for future collaboration in tactical-level training of air and ground crews, expressing his interest in exploring avenues of joint operational exercises between air forces of both the countries with keen interest in participating in the upcoming International Exercise Indus Shield-2024.