Rawalpindi: Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), held a series of high-level meetings with Air Chiefs from friendly countries on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2025.

During the visit, he also held detailed discussions with Lieutenant General Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi, Undersecretary of Defence UAE, and Major General Rashid Mohammed Al-Shamsi, Commander UAE Air Force and Air Defence. The engagements focused on strengthening cooperation in advanced training, enhancing collaboration in emerging aerospace technologies, and improving mechanisms for effective operational coordination.

The UAE military leadership appreciated the PAF's modernization drive and expanding indigenous capabilities, reaffirming the shared commitment to deepen military cooperation through joint exercises, professional exchanges, and long-term strategic partnerships.

A PAF contingent is currently participating in the Dubai Airshow 2025, showcasing the advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III and the iconic Super Mushshak trainer aircraft-both reflective of Pakistan's growing competence in indigenous aviation.

The JF-17 Thunder Block-III emerged as a major attraction at the event, receiving strong interest from defence analysts, aviation experts, and international visitors. Its state-of-the-art technology, robust combat capability, and proven operational performance in Marka-e-Haq have further elevated its global profile as a versatile and cost-effective multirole fighter.

In a significant development, several countries expressed interest in procuring the aircraft, and an MoU for the acquisition of the JF-17 Thunder was signed with a friendly nation-marking another milestone in Pakistan's expanding defence and industrial partnerships.