ISLAMABAD, Oct 26 (APP): A high-level delegation, led by Major General Staff Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Mohamed Al-Alawi, Commander of the Air Force and Air Defence of the United Arab Emirates, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) here at Air Headquarters on Thursday.
The meeting covered a wide array of matters pertaining to geo-strategic environment, regional security and the aspect of exploring new avenues to enhance bilateral defence cooperation.
On his arrival, a smartly turned-out contingent of PAF presented guard of honour to him.
He was also introduced to the Principal Staff Officers of PAF.
Later, the visiting dignitary called on Air Chief in his office.
During the meeting, Chief of the Air Staff shared the broad contours of PAF’s modernization drive aimed at augmenting current operational capability in the domains of Cyber, Space, Artificial Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Niche technologies.
He also highlighted various ongoing projects of Pakistan Air Force’s operational construct, force goals and plans for the force structure with a keen focus on future warfare.
Appreciating the participation of UAE Air Force contingent in PAF’s multi-national Exercise Indus Shield, the Air Chief highlighted that both the countries enjoyed unprecedented brotherly relations and reiterated his resolve to further enhance the existing bilateral ties in military-to-military cooperation, joint exercises and training domains.
The Commander of the Air Force and Air Defence of the United Arab Emirates conveyed his deep appreciation for the remarkable advancements achieved by PAF in the realm of indigenous capabilities and commended the professionalism of PAF personnel.
Both sides concurred to further optimize the existing military ties between the two countries with a specific focus on advanced tactical training, emerging technologies and strengthening operational competencies.
They also discussed the potential for joint military exercises and exchange programmes with an aim to facilitate the exchange of expertise, enhancing interoperability and fostering closer ties between Air Forces of both the brotherly countries.
Commander of the Air Force and Air Defence of the United Arab Emirates also visited different installations and technological infrastructure established at the air headquarters including National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre and PAF’s Cyber Command.
He also visited National Aerospace Science and Technology Park and expressed his deep admiration for the project.
He appreciated the dynamic leadership of Air Chief, which enabled the realization of this mega project in a record time frame.
The meeting between the Chief of the Air Staff and the Commander of the Air Force anr Air Defence of the United Arab Emirates signified the commitment between the Armed Forces of both the countries in working together to address common challenges and the willingness to further strengthen their bilateral ties in the realms of defence and military cooperation.
