ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have decided to strengthen their collaboration in air force capabilities, emphasizing joint training initiatives and advancements in multi-domain warfare strategies. The agreement was reached during high-level meetings in Saudi Arabia this week, as announced by Pakistan’s military on Thursday.
These discussions align with Saudi Arabia’s push to modernize its air and missile defense systems, while Pakistan seeks to expand its defense diplomacy with Gulf nations amidst shifting regional security landscapes and a growing focus on advanced warfare technologies.
Pakistan’s Chief of Air Staff, Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, held meetings with Turki bin Bander bin Abdulaziz, Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force, and Fayiadh bin Hameed Al-Rowaily, Chief of the General Staff of Saudi Arabia, during his official visit to the Kingdom. According to a statement from Pakistan’s military media wing, these engagements aimed at reinforcing military cooperation between the two nations.
During the meetings, the Air Chief emphasized the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, reiterating his dedication to enhancing military collaborations through bilateral and multilateral joint exercises. He also highlighted the evolution of the Pakistan Air Force into a sophisticated Multi-Domain Force, seamlessly integrating space, cyber, electronic warfare, and artificial intelligence capabilities, as demonstrated in its operational achievements.
Saudi defense officials commended the Pakistan Air Force for its professionalism, operational expertise, and readiness. They expressed a keen interest in advancing joint training programs and operational cooperation, particularly focused on evolving Multi-Domain Operations.
The two nations share a history of strong defense relations, including training exchanges, joint military exercises, and technical partnerships. Pakistani military personnel have traditionally played key roles in advisory and training capacities within Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, both countries regularly engage in consultations on regional security matters as part of a comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing defense, economic collaboration, and diplomatic coordination. Their close ties were further cemented in September of last year with the signing of a defense pact, pledging mutual support against external aggression.
