PAF DEEPENS GLOBAL AIRPOWER ALLIANCES AS AIR CHIEF LEADS STRATEGIC OUTREACH AT DUBAI AIRSHOW 2025

20 November, 2025: Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, held a series of high-level engagements with Air Chiefs from friendly countries and senior military leadership of the United Arab Emirates on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2025. The discussions focused on enhancing military-to-military cooperation, expanding training and operational collaboration with special emphasis on exploring future avenues in airpower development, aerospace technologies and professional exchange initiatives.

During the visit, Chief of the Air Staff also held comprehensive discussions with Lieutenant General Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi, Undersecretary of Defence UAE, and Major General Rashid Mohammed Al-Shamsi, Commander UAE Air Force & Air Defence. The meetings reviewed the evolving geo-strategic environment and reaffirmed the commitment of both sides to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. The discussions centred on strengthening cooperation in advanced training, fostering collaboration in emerging aerospace technologies and enhancing the mechanisms for effective operational coordination. The UAE military leadership lauded Pakistan Air Force’s modernization initiatives and growing indigenous capabilities with a shared resolve to further strengthen military engagement through joint exercises, professional exchanges and forward-looking partnerships.

Pakistan Air Force contingent has arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the Dubai Airshow 2025. The contingent features advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III and the renowned Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, reflecting Pakistan’s growing expertise in indigenous military aviation. During the event, the JF-17 Thunder Block-III emerged as a major focal point, drawing significant attention from defence analysts, aviation specialists and visitors. Its cutting-edge technology, strong combat capabilities and proven operational performance in Marka-e-Haq reinforced its reputation as a highly capable and cost-effective multirole fighter. The aircraft’s agility, advanced avionics and dependable weapons integration further strengthened its standing among modern airpower platforms. Demonstrating increasing international confidence in Pakistan’s aviation industry, several countries expressed interest in acquiring the JF-17 Thunder. In a noteworthy development, an MoU was signed with a friendly country for the procurement of the JF-17 Thunder, marking another significant milestone in Pakistan’s expanding defence and industrial partnerships. The agreement reflects the aircraft’s rising global appeal and the sustained trust in Pakistan’s aerospace capabilities.

The Air Chief’s strategic engagements coupled with the participation of PAF’s premier aviation platforms underscore Pakistan Air Force’s enduring commitment to professional excellence, technological advancement and a robust forward-looking role within the global aerospace community.