Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu led a focused programme of strategic outreach at the Dubai Airshow 2025, meeting senior air chiefs and defence leaders to advance Pakistan Air Force cooperation with partner nations. The engagements emphasised deeper military-to-military links, expanded training pathways and closer operational coordination in an evolving regional security environment.
In meetings with Lieutenant General Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi, Undersecretary of Defence UAE, and Major General Rashid Mohammed Al-Shamsi, Commander UAE Air Force & Air Defence, discussions reviewed the geo-strategic landscape and reaffirmed commitments to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. Topics included advanced training initiatives, collaboration on emerging aerospace technologies and improving mechanisms for effective operational coordination between the two air forces.
The Pakistan Air Force contingent at the show featured the advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III and the Super Mushshak trainer, underscoring PAF’s expanding indigenous aerospace capabilities. The JF-17 Thunder drew sustained attention from defence analysts and visitors for its modern avionics, weapons integration and proven operational performance in Marka-e-Haq, reinforcing its reputation as a cost-effective multirole fighter.
Delegates noted growing international interest in the JF-17 Thunder, with several countries expressing intent to explore procurement. In a notable development, an MoU was signed with a friendly country for the acquisition of the JF-17 Thunder, marking a tangible step in Pakistan’s defence-industrial partnerships and reflecting rising confidence in local aerospace production and support frameworks.
PAF leadership and the participating contingent underlined a clear commitment to professional excellence and technological advancement. The Air Chief’s engagements at Dubai Airshow 2025 highlighted an emphasis on joint exercises, professional exchanges and forward-looking partnerships that aim to enhance operational readiness and deepen Pakistan-UAE defence ties.
