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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
PAF aircraft shine at UK air show
Pakistan Air Force achieved an extraordinary feat by securing two coveted trophies among the world's leading air forces at the world-renowned Royal International Air Tattoo-(RIAT) 2025, held in the United Kingdom. During the Air Chiefs' Conference at RIAT-2025, PAF's professional excellence and the exquisite paint schemes of its aircraft were widely appreciated by global air force leaders, said a press release issued by ISPR here Saturday. On this remarkable achievement, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, extended his heartfelt congratulations to PAF contingent stating that keeping the nation's flag high has always been the hallmark of Pakistan Air Force. Winning these prestigious awards is a testament to our professionalism, technical expertise and relentless pursuit of excellence. He also commended the entire team for showcasing Pakistan's true potential with pride and dignity. PAF's state of the art JF-17 Thunder Block-III, making its maiden appearance at this prestigious airshow, was awarded the "Spirit of the Meet" Trophy, a rare honor conferred upon the aircraft that best embodies the ethos, spirit and excitement of RIAT.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan wins top honors at UK air show after JF-17 deployment post-India clash
KARACHI: Pakistan Air Force has won two prestigious awards at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in the United Kingdom, said an official statement on Saturday, where its newly deployed JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets made their debut amid heightened interest following a recent military standoff with India. The JF-17 Block-III was awarded the coveted 'Spirit of the Meet' Trophy, a rare honor given to the aircraft that best embodies the ethos and excitement of the global event. Pakistan's C-130H Hercules, painted in a custom livery themed 'Eyes in the Skies,' also received the 'Concours d'Elegance' Trophy for best-maintained and most aesthetically presented aircraft, according to Pakistan's military. The awards come just days after Pakistan deployed these aircraft to the RIAT, one of the world's most prestigious military air shows, as part of a broader push to display its airpower and modernization drive. 'Winning these prestigious awards is a testament to our professionalism, technical expertise and relentless pursuit of excellence,' said Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, who congratulated the PAF contingent on its performance, according to the military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). 'Keeping the nation's flag high has always been the hallmark of Pakistan Air Force,' he added. The JF-17 Block-III is a 4.5-generation, multi-role fighter equipped with a long-range beyond-visual-range missile capability. Co-developed by Pakistan and China, the aircraft is central to Pakistan's indigenous defense strategy. It also played a vital role in the intense, four-day military standoff with India in May when Pakistan shot down advanced Indian fighter jets. The aircraft flew from Pakistan to Royal Air Force Base Fairford in southern England earlier this week, successfully conducting air-to-air refueling mid-flight — a maneuver the military described as evidence of the PAF's growing long-range operational capabilities. 'PAF's outstanding performance at RIAT-2025 not only cements its standing among leading global air forces but also serves as a source of immense pride for the entire Pakistani nation,' the ISPR said. Pakistan has previously won honors at RIAT in 2006, 2016, and 2018, reinforcing what the statement described as a consistent record of aviation excellence.
South China Morning Post
10-07-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Chinese and Pakistani air chiefs seek military synergy on training and tech fronts
A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) general called for greater cooperation in training and technology with China in talks with his Chinese counterpart in Islamabad on Tuesday. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, chief of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) met Lieutenant General Wang Gang, chief of staff of the People's Liberation Army Air Force, to discuss operational synergy between the two branches, according to a statement from the Pakistan Armed Forces. Wang received a detailed briefing on the PAF's modernised force structure and strategic initiatives, and expressed 'deep appreciation for the high state of operational readiness and the cutting-edge capabilities' of the PAF, the statement said. He also praised the PAF's performance during a recent conflict with India, calling it a 'textbook example of precision, discipline and courage in the face of unprovoked aggression' and commended the 'decisive and measured response delivered by PAF pilots'. Wang also said the Chinese air force was keen to learn from Pakistan's 'battle-proven experience in multi-domain operations', which he described as a hallmark of modern air warfare, according to the statement. Sidhu reaffirmed the 'strong bond of friendship between the two air forces', and said the ties between Pakistan and China were rooted in 'mutual trust, strategic convergence and shared aspirations for regional peace and stability'.
Express Tribune
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PAF tactics catch China's strategic eye
PLAAF chief Lt-Gen Wang Gang meets with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad. Photo: express Listen to article The Chinese Air Force Chief on Tuesday praised Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) exemplary performance in the recent Pakistan-India conflict and expressed interest in learning from PAF's battle-proven experience in multi-domain operations. Leading a high-level defence delegation led by Lt-Gen Wang Gang, Chief of Staff of People's Liberation Army Air Force, visited the Air Headquarters in Islamabad to meet Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff. The visit of the top Chinese air force officer came two months after Pakistan shot down six Indian fighter jets, including three highly-advanced French-made Rafale. The story made international headlines as for the first time the Chinese military hardware proved its combat superiority over the western technology. Pakistan may have used J10C and PL-15 beyond visual range (BVR) missiles to force the Indian air force to ground its air assets but the indigenous technology and integration of various systems made the real difference. The Chinese air force chief acknowledged that and according to the official readout he expressed keen interest in learning from Pakistan's experience. A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said during the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics and avenues of enhanced bilateral cooperation, particularly in the domain of airpower and operational synergy were discussed. The air chief extended a gracious welcome to the distinguished guests, reiterating that Pakistan and China enjoy historic and time-tested ties rooted in mutual trust, strategic convergence and shared aspirations for regional peace & stability. Lt-Gen Wang Gang was given a comprehensive briefing on PAF's modern force structure, strategic initiatives and the evolution of its operational doctrine. The chief of the air staff also reaffirmed the strong bond of friendship between the two air forces and reiterated Pakistan Air Force's commitment to expanding cooperation in training, technology and operational domains. General Wang Gang expressed deep appreciation for the high state of operational readiness and the cutting-edge capabilities of Pakistan Air Force. He was particularly impressed by PAF's seamless integration of multi-domain operations, terming it a hallmark of modern air warfare and conveyed PLAAF's keen interest in learning from PAF's battle-proven experience. Lauding the professional acumen and strategic foresight of PAF's leadership, the visiting dignitary paid rich tribute to the exemplary performance of Pakistan Air Force during the recent conflict with India. He praised the decisive and measured response delivered by PAF pilots under the resolute leadership of the Air Chief, describing it as a textbook example of precision, discipline and courage in the face of unprovoked aggression. The meeting stands as a testament to the shared resolve of Pakistan and China to advance their time-tested strategic partnership through deepened cooperation and innovation-driven collaboration.
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First Post
04-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Are Pak military leaders' visits to US signs of resetting ties? Should India be bothered?
In June, Pakistan army chief Asim Munir travelled to the US for a lunch hosted by President Donald Trump. Weeks later, the Pakistan air force chief Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu visited Washington and held meetings with officials from the US State Department and the Pentagon. This indicates a shift in US-Pakistan military ties, which date back to 1947. But what does it mean for India? read more The US and Pakistan military ties are seeing a reset. The latest indicator -- Pakistan air force chief's visit to Washington. Representational image/Reuters In the days after the Pahalgam terror attack, the United States stood firmly by India's side; US President Trump strongly condemned the terror attack and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 'heinous attack'. Then, US spy chief Tulsi Gabbard added that her country would back New Delhi as it hunts down the perpetrators, while US House Speaker Mike Johnson said that America would make every effort to help India in its fight against terrorism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, actions speak louder than words, and the US actions are quite telling for India. In the past two weeks, the US leadership has met with the top echelons of the Pakistani military — first Trump met Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir on June 18, and now Pakistan's Chief of the Air Staff Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu met with officials at the Pentagon, State Department and Capitol Hill on Wednesday (July 2). So, what's brewing? Is the US looking at a reset of its military ties with Islamabad? And what does that mean for New Delhi?' Pakistan Air Force chief in US On Wednesday (July 2), Pakistan Air Force Chief Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu visited Washington, holding high-level meetings at the Pentagon, State Department and Capitol Hill to 'further enhance bilateral defence cooperation and mutual interest'. Sidhu's meetings at the Pentagon included high-level talks with US Air Force Chief of Staff General David W Elon and Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs Kelly L Seybolt, focusing on joint operational training, technology sharing, and institutional ties and future cooperation. Similarly, at the State Department, Sidhu met Brown L Stanley of the bureau of political and military affairs and Eric Meyer of the bureau of South and Central Asian affairs. The Pakistan Air Force chief also met some prominent members of the US Congress, including Mike Turner, Rich McCormick, and Bill Heizenga. Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Baber Sidhu has completed a landmark visit to the United States. File image/PTI A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) statement read, 'This high-level visit is a strategic milestone in the Pak-US defence partnership. The visit will play a significant role in addressing key regional and global security issues as well as building institutional ties.' Many analysts pointed that Sidhu's visit, which comes nearly two months after India's Operation Sindoor, was with the aim of acquiring American military hardware. Pakistan hopes to acquire the American-built F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles, and batteries of the US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This comes as India's missiles and drones bypassed Pakistans China-supplied defence systems to strike military targets deep inside the country. Moreover, it is reported that Chinese-made HQ-9P and HQ-16 missile defence systems were destroyed in Indian counterstrikes. Pakistan's Munir lunches with Trump What is most interesting about the Pakistan air force chief's visit to Washington is that it comes just weeks after Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir travelled to the US for a luncheon with President Donald Trump. On June 18, Trump hosted Munir at the White House for a closed-door luncheon. It is not clear what transpired in the meeting between Trump and Field Marshal Munir. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly was quoted as saying that the meeting between the two came after the Pakistan army chief pitched Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in preventing a nuclear war between India and Pakistan. Ever-changing US-Pakistan military ties The Trump-Munir lunch, the visit of the Pakistan army chief to Washington, and the US army general Michael Kurilla's reference to Islamabad as a 'phenomenal partner in countering terrorism' during an appearance at a hearing of the US House Armed Services Committee last month all signal a change in the US-Pakistan military ties. And it's quite a dramatic reset; dramatic because seven years ago, Trump accused Pakistan of giving the US 'nothing but lies and deceit' and safe havens to terrorists – and one that his immediate successor Joe Biden called 'one of the most dangerous nations'. But just how have ties changed between the two countries? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 1947, soon after Pakistan was formed, US concerns about Soviet expansionism in the region and Islamabad's desire for security assistance against a perceived threat from India prompted a military alliance between the two countries. Seven years later, Washington and Islamabad signed a mutual defence assistance agreement and soon military aid started flowing into Pakistan. In 1964, Pakistani President Mohammed Ayub Khan even wrote in an article for Foreign Affairs that Islamabad is 'America's most allied ally in Asia'. Pakistan President Mohammad Ayub Khan with US President John F. Kennedy during the former's 1961 visit to America. The Pakistani president had once said that Islamabad is 'America's most allied ally in Asia. File image/Wikimedia Commons It is reported that between 1953 and 1961, Pakistan received a whopping $2 billion in aid from Washington, with a huge chunk of it going towards military support. However, following the 1965 India and Pakistan war, the US imposed a ban on the transfer of weapons to both New Delhi and Islamabad. It was the USSR invasion of Afghanistan that changed America's view towards Pakistan. It became a key partner in the supply of the Afghan mujahideen, which took the fight to the Soviets in Afghanistan, supported by the US and Saudi Arabia, notes the American think tank C_ouncil on Foreign Relation_s. It was around this time that the US also approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But, in 1990, with the end of the Cold War, US President George HW Bush again suspended American military assistance to Pakistan, withholding roughly 28 F-16s that Islamabad purchased in 1989. US President George W Bush agreed to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan in a major policy shift rewarding a key ally in the war on terrorism in 2004. File image/Reuters The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, shifted relations once again; a Congressional Research Service report reveals that between 2002 and 2020, Pakistan received over $34 billion in aid from the US. Roughly $23 billion of American aid was security related, with $8.2 billion being directly related to military aid, while a further $14.5 billion were 'Coalition Support Fund' reimbursements, for offering key support to US military operations. It all turned to naught in 2018 amid Trump's first tenure; he suspended security aid to Pakistan, stating that Islamabad had failed to take action against terror groups. Trump even tweeted, 'The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than '$33 billion in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But just this year, Trump authorised the release of funds to Pakistan, including $397 for maintaining its F-16 fighter jet fleet. Experts note that these ebbs and flows in the US-Pakistan military ties is grounded in tactical necessity and overlapping security interests. While Islamabad needs Washington to continue providing aid and military hardware, the US needs Pakistan as a means to counter China as well as the terror groups in Afghanistan. India should pay heed to US-Pak ties But should the US tilt to Pakistan, especially in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, be a concern to India? The answer is a mixed one. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, there was a de-hyphenisation between India and Pakistan. However, with the Trump administration interacting with Pakistan's military, there's a chance of a re-hyphenation in ties. Moreover, India can't afford to have Islamabad currying much favour with Washington as well as Beijing. This puts the country in a difficult position on the global stage. The national flag of India hoisted at Times Square in New York City. Representational image/AFP But experts also note that India is now America's partner of choice not only in South Asia but the Indo Pacific. As the Hudson Institute notes, it would take much more than a few high-level visits by Pakistani military officials to restore American trust in Pakistan, which remains strategically aligned with America's rival, China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India's Lt General Syed Ata Hasnain (retired) explains it the best in an Indian Express column, 'Trump's outreach to Pakistan should not be read as a betrayal or a shift away from India. It is better understood as tactical engagement driven by geography, legacy relationships, and evolving regional threats. Pakistan will always offer America access, whether for leverage in Kabul, observation posts against Iran, or to counter Chinese expansion. But such engagement is opportunistic, not strategic.' With inputs from agencies
