Pakistan, Indonesia explore deeper defence cooperation

Indonesia’s Defence Minister Lt Gen (retd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin on Monday called on Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ), where both sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, the military’s media affairs wing said.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting covered matters of mutual interest, evolving regional and global security dynamics, and avenues for enhancing defence collaboration between Pakistan and Indonesia.

Emphasis was placed on strengthening institutional linkages, expanding training cooperation and promoting defence industrial collaboration.

The Indonesian defence minister praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He also expressed Indonesia’s desire to further broaden defence ties with Pakistan across multiple domains.

Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to building a strong and enduring defence relationship with Indonesia, grounded in shared values, mutual respect and convergence of strategic interests, the statement added.

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In a separate development, a defence delegation led by the Indonesian defence minister called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, at Air Headquarters, Islamabad.

The meeting following the recent state visit of the Indonesian President.

The meeting reaffirmed the historic and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Indonesia and focused on strengthening bilateral Air Force cooperation, particularly in capacity building, training and technological collaboration. The Air Chief briefed the delegation on the PAF’s modernization drive, including infrastructure development, revamped training regimes and the induction of niche capabilities aimed at enhancing readiness for multi-domain operations.

The Indonesian defence minister praised the PAF’s professionalism, combat readiness and indigenisation achievements under the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, and expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation in training, aviation and aerospace domains.

The meeting reflected the growing momentum in Pakistan-Indonesia defence ties and a shared resolve to deepen cooperation through sustained engagement and dialogue.