Turkish defence minister commends PAF's role in conflict with India
Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler has lauded the Pakistan Air Force's exceptional performance under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu in the four-day war with India, commending its operational preparedness and resolute defence of national sovereignty.
A high-level delegation led by Güler called on Air Chief Marshal Sidhu during a visit to the Air Headquarters in Islamabad on Wednesday, the military's media wing reported.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting covered discussions on evolving regional security dynamics, the progress of ongoing defence cooperation, and prospects for future collaboration in emerging domains of warfare.
During the meeting, the chief of the air staff highlighted the enduring brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, emphasising the common aspirations and strategic convergence that bind the two nations.
He reaffirmed the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) steadfast resolve to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of advanced training and aerospace technologies.
TURKISH DEFENCE DELEGATION VISITS AIR HEADQUARTERS pic.twitter.com/8GVeywVQ9O — DGPR (AIR FORCE) (@DGPR_PAF) July 9, 2025
The statement added that both dignitaries agreed on the establishment of dedicated joint working groups to streamline and accelerate progress across various sectors of mutual interest.
Highlighting the longstanding fraternal ties between Turkiye and Pakistan, Güler conveyed Turkiye's earnest desire to bolster bilateral defence relations through deeper industry-to-industry collaboration.
He particularly emphasised the need to explore joint ventures in cutting-edge domains, including disruptive technologies, advanced avionics, and unmanned aerial systems.
Read More: Chinese air force chief lauds PAF's performance in conflict with India
The statement further mentioned that the Turkish defence minister expressed appreciation for the PAF's continued support in the pilot exchange programme, which he described as a vital initiative for fostering professional growth and operational understanding between the two air forces.
'Both dignitaries concurred on finalising the modalities for enhanced training collaboration and reaffirmed their strong commitment to expanding the scale and scope of joint bilateral and multilateral air exercises,' it added.
The visit of the Turkish defence minister to the Air Headquarters in Islamabad reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance strategic cooperation, solidify defence ties, and promote lasting institutional linkages between the Armed Forces of Pakistan and Turkey, the ISPR stated.
A day earlier, the Chief of Staff of China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), Lt General Wang Gang, also praised the PAF leadership for its professional acumen and strategic foresight while paying tribute to the exemplary performance of the PAF during the recent conflict with India.
A high-level defence delegation, led by Lt General Gang, visited Air Chief Marshal Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad.
Lt General Gang praised PAF pilots for delivering a decisive and measured response under the resolute leadership of Air Chief Marshal Sidhu, describing it as a textbook example of precision, discipline, and courage in the face of unprovoked aggression.
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