Iraq hails Pakistan Air Force’s expertise, seeks JF-17 Thunder Jets

Praising Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) professionalism and technological advancement, Iraq on Saturday expressed keen interest in JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft.

Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, Commander of the Iraqi Air Force expressed the intent in a meeting with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Pakistan Air Force who called on him during his official visit to Iraq, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement today.

READ MORE: Bangladesh eyes JF-17 Thunder purchase as air force chief meets PAF chief

During their meeting, the two held discussions on enhancing bilateral military cooperation, with emphasis on joint training, capacity building and improving operational cooperation.

“The Air Chief highlighted the deep-rooted religious, cultural, and historical ties between Pakistan and Iraq and reaffirmed PAF’s commitment to support the Iraqi Air Force in training and capacity development,” the military’s media wing said.

Both commanders agreed to pursue joint exercises and training initiatives to strengthen interoperability, said the ISPR.

Moreover, on his arrival, Marshal Zaheer was accorded a Guard of Honour at Iraqi Air Force Headquarters, symbolizing the strong bond of mutual respect.

Earlier, Bangladeshi Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan also praised PAF’s combat record and expressed interest in benefiting from its operational expertise, seeking assistance in maintenance support for Bangladesh Air Force’s aging fleet and integration of air defence radar systems to enhance air surveillance.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are in talks to convert about $2 billion of Saudi loans into a JF-17 fighter jet deal, deepening military cooperation months after the two nations signed a mutual defence pact last year.

As per sources, =the discussions were limited to the provision of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, the light combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China and produced in Pakistan, while the second said the jets were the primary option among others under discussion.