DUBAI: Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of the Air Staff of Pakistan Air Force, participated in several high-level discussions with air force leaders from allied nations during the Dubai Airshow 2025. Notably, he held in-depth talks with Lieutenant General Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi, Undersecretary of Defence for the UAE, and Major General Rashid Mohammed Al-Shamsi, Commander of the UAE Air Force & Air Defence.
The conversations focused on enhancing cooperation in advanced pilot training, exploring collaboration opportunities in emerging aerospace technologies, and improving operational coordination mechanisms. The UAE military leadership lauded Pakistan Air Force’s modernization efforts and increasing indigenous capabilities, expressing a shared commitment to deepen military ties through joint exercises, knowledge exchanges, and strategic partnerships.
Pakistan’s Air Force contingent, now in the UAE for Dubai Airshow 2025, showcased its latest capabilities with the inclusion of JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighters and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, highlighting Pakistan’s growing expertise in indigenous military aviation.
At the event, the JF-17 Thunder Block-III attracted considerable attention from defense experts, aviation enthusiasts, and visitors alike. Its advanced technology, formidable combat features, and operational success in Marka-e-Haq reaffirm its status as a versatile and cost-effective multirole fighter.
Reflecting increasing international confidence in Pakistan’s aerospace industry, multiple nations expressed interest in acquiring the JF-17 Thunder. A significant development was the signing of an MoU with a friendly country for the procurement of the aircraft, marking a key milestone in Pakistan’s expanding defense collaborations and industrial partnerships.
