RAWALPINDI, Wednesday, September 3, 2025 (WNP): A high-level Turkish military delegation led by General Ziya Cemal Kadioglu, Commander of the Turkish Air Force, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), at Air Headquarters on Wednesday to discuss expanding defence cooperation and joint training initiatives.
The delegation received a warm welcome, with a smartly turned-out PAF contingent presenting a Guard of Honour to the visiting commander.
During the meeting, the two air chiefs held detailed discussions on the evolving regional security environment, ongoing defence collaboration, and prospects for cooperation in emerging domains of modern warfare.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu underscored the “deep-rooted brotherly ties” between Pakistan and Turkiye, rooted in shared faith, aspirations, and strategic alignment. He highlighted the induction of the first batch of Turkish cadets at PAF Academy Asghar Khan as a “new milestone” in defence ties, marking the beginning of long-term training cooperation between the two air forces.
General Kadioglu praised PAF’s operational performance and readiness, particularly its response during the recent conflict with India, describing it as a model of resilience and professional excellence. He expressed interest in studying PAF’s multi-domain warfare strategies and lessons learned from the conflict to strengthen the Turkish Air Force’s own doctrine and preparedness.
The Turkish commander also visited the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park, where he lauded Pakistan’s indigenous innovations and progress in aerospace technology, commending PAF’s strides toward operational self-reliance.
Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to enhance collaboration in training, joint exercises, multi-domain operations, and technological development.
The visit, according to defence officials, symbolizes the shared commitment of Pakistan and Turkiye to strengthen institutional ties between their armed forces and promote enduring strategic cooperation.
