Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu visited Iraq on Saturday, where he called on Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, Commander of the Iraqi Air Force, at the Iraqi Air Force Headquarters in Baghdad. Al- Asadi praised the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF’s) professionalism and technological advancement, expressing interest in the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, which is a Pakistani-made basic trainer used for pilot training. Read: Bangladesh in talks to buy Pakistan’s JF-17 fighter jetsAir Chief Marshal Sidhu was accorded a Guard of Honour upon his arrival, symbolising the strong bond of respect between the two nations. The Pakistani air chief highlighted the deep-rooted religious, cultural, and historical ties between Pakistan and Iraq, reaffirming PAF's commitment to support the Iraqi Air Force in training and capacity development. On January 6, a high-level Bangladesh Air Force delegation, led by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, also held talks with Sidhu, covering the potential procurement of the JF-17.

Source: The Express Tribune January 10, 2026 10:24 UTC