PAF Strengthens Global Airpower Alliances as Air Chief Leads Major Diplomatic Outreach at Dubai Airshow 2025
Independent Report
Dubai, 20 November 2025:
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) deepened its international airpower partnerships as Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, engaged in a series of high-level strategic meetings with the Air Chiefs of friendly nations and senior military leadership of the United Arab Emirates on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2025.
The meetings focused on expanding military cooperation, enhancing training and operational collaboration, and exploring new opportunities in airpower development, aerospace technologies, and professional exchange programs.
During the visit, the Air Chief held comprehensive discussions with Lieutenant General Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi, UAE Undersecretary of Defence, and Major General Rashid Mohammed Al-Shamsi, Commander UAE Air Force & Air Defence. Both sides reviewed the evolving geo-strategic environment and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing bilateral defence ties. Talks centered on strengthening cooperation in advanced training, emerging aerospace technologies, and mechanisms for improved operational synchronization.
The UAE leadership praised PAF’s modernization drive, its expanding indigenous capabilities, and expressed a mutual resolve to enhance joint training, professional exchanges and future military partnerships.
A PAF contingent is currently in the UAE for its participation in Dubai Airshow 2025, showcasing the advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III and the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. The JF-17 Block-III emerged as a major highlight of the event, attracting strong interest from defence experts and visitors due to its cutting-edge avionics, proven operational performance and cost-effective multi-role capability.
Reflecting growing global confidence in Pakistan’s aerospace industry, several countries expressed interest in the JF-17. A significant MoU for the aircraft’s procurement was signed with a friendly country, marking an important milestone in Pakistan’s expanding defence-industrial partnerships.
The Air Chief’s diplomatic engagements and PAF’s participation in the high-profile airshow underscore Pakistan’s commitment to technological advancement, professional excellence and a proactive role in the global aerospace community.
