A high-level Turkish delegation, led by Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General İrfan Özsert, conducted a significant visit to Pakistan on February 15, 2024, to explore potential avenues for enhanced military collaboration. Lieutenant General Özsert met with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Headquarters, with reciprocal training initiatives and technological cooperation efforts between the two nations taking center stage during the discussions.
During the meeting, Lieutenant General Özsert assured Pakistan of Turkey’s unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive support for the training of fighter pilots from both the Pakistani and Turkish Air Forces. This support would span from foundational levels to tactical and operational proficiency through mutual exchange programs. Emphasizing the enduring solidarity between the two “brotherly countries” in times of need, Lieutenant General Özsert reiterated Turkey’s determination to further strengthen existing bilateral ties in military-to-military cooperation, strategic alliance, and training. This would be achieved through technology sharing and joint exercises in the face of shared regional security threats.
The Commanders highlighted the ongoing joint training program between the PAF and the Turkish Air Force (TuAF), noting the active involvement of Turkish aircrews in addressing the training needs of PAF F-16 pilots and enhancing their operational capabilities.
Joint Working Groups to Enhance Technological and Operational Capabilities
Furthermore, both Commanders agreed to elevate the existing partnership through Joint Working Groups focused on technology development and the exchange of core capabilities, in addition to collaborating on joint air exercises. The discussion also revolved around the continuation of the Air-to-Air Missile Technology exchange program, aiming to provide maximum benefit to both Air Forces. To further solidify the current level of cooperation, both sides concurred on strengthening government-to-government, business-to-business, military-to-military, and Air Force-to-Air Force collaboration.
