ISLAMABAD: The chief of Iraqi Air Force has expressed keen interest in Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft during a meeting with visiting Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
During his visit to Iraq, the PAF chief called on Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, Commander of Iraqi Air Force. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Baber was accorded a guard of honour at the Iraqi Air Force headquarters, symbolising the strong bond of mutual respect between the two air forces.
The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral military cooperation, with particular emphasis on joint training, capacity-building and improved operational collaboration. The PAF chief highlighted deep-rooted religious, cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Iraq, and reaffirmed PAF’s commitment to supporting the Iraqi Air Force in training and capacity development.
Both commanders agreed to pursue joint exercises and training initiatives to further strengthen interoperability. The Iraqi air chief praised PAF’s professionalism and technological advancement, expressed interest in benefiting from its world-class training facilities, and showed particular interest in JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft.
According to an ISPR statement, the Iraqi air chief appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional stability. The visit underscored shared resolve of both air forces to further strengthen defence ties and professional collaboration.
In another development, the Pakistan Navy successfully test-fired a surface-to-air missile during a naval exercise in the North Arabian Sea, showcasing both conventional and unmanned capabilities, as per the dictates of evolving naval warfare, a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.
The exercise was held in the North Arabian Sea — witnessed by Commander Pakistan Fleet — featured the successful live firing of the LY-80(N) surface-to-air missile from a vertical launching system at extended range, validating the long-range capabilities of Pakistan Navy’s modern air defence systems, the military’s media wing said. “LY-80(N) SAM successfully engaged and neutralised an aerial target, demonstrating Pakistan Navy’s robust air defence capabilities,” the ISPR added.
It said that the Pakistan Navy also successfully engaged surface targets using Loitering Munition (LM), demonstrating its precision strike capability in contemporary maritime operations. “The Loitering Munition (LM) successfully engaged and destroyed surface targets, showcasing its effectiveness in modern naval warfare.”
In addition, open-sea trials of an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) were also conducted, confirming its high-speed performance, extreme manoeuvrability, precision navigation and resilience in challenging weather conditions, the military’s media wing said. “The trials validated the platform’s ability to combine high-speed performance with mission-critical durability,” the ISPR said and added, “Key capabilities demonstrated include extreme manoeuvrability, precision navigation, and weather resilience.” It said that USV offers a low-risk, high-impact solution with the stealth of a tactical interceptor.
Meanwhile, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf lauded the officers and sailors for their professionalism and operational competence. He reaffirmed Pakistan Navy’s commitment to ensuring the seaward defence of Pakistan and safeguarding national maritime interests under all circumstances.
Meanwhile, the 13th Pakistan-United States bilateral joint exercise, Inspired Gambit–2026, commenced at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Pabbi. The two-week-long exercise is being conducted in the Counter Terrorism (CT) domain, involving professional contingents from the armies of Pakistan and the United States. Officials from both sides attended the opening ceremony.
The exercise is aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and interoperability through the sharing of counter-terrorism experiences, while further refining tactics, techniques and procedures essential for effective CT operations. Emphasis is being laid on marksmanship skills during urban warfare, as well as on understanding each other’s operational doctrines and best practices. Such joint training exercises are of vital importance in addressing evolving security challenges, improving professional military standards and strengthening the capacity of both forces to operate in complex counter-terrorism environments.
Inspired Gambit-2026 reflects the continued commitment of Pakistan and the United States towards collaborative efforts for peace and stability.
