Pakistan, Turkiye air forces deepen strategic defence partnership during high-level Ankara talks

ANKARA: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the Turkish Air Force have reaffirmed their “growing strategic convergence” and commitment to expanding cooperation in defence, aerospace innovation and emerging military technologies during high-level engagements in Turkiye, the military’s media wing said on Friday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held a series of important meetings during his official visit to Turkiye with Turkish Air Force Commander Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu, Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler and Selçuk Bayraktar.

The engagements focused on strengthening bilateral defence ties, enhancing operational cooperation and exploring collaboration in next-generation aerospace and unmanned technologies.

At the Turkish Air Force Headquarters, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu was presented a guard of honour before holding detailed talks with General Kadıoğlu on expanding interoperability through joint military exercises, advanced training programmes and professional exchanges between the two air forces.

The Turkish air chief also appreciated the Pakistan Air Force’s role in training Turkish pilots, highlighting the growing trust and operational coordination between the two allied nations.

During his meeting with Defence Minister Yaşar Güler, the Pakistani air chief reaffirmed the “strong historical and strategic ties” between Pakistan and Turkiye, while both sides discussed avenues for deeper cooperation in training, capacity building and aerospace collaboration.

In a separate meeting with Baykar Technologies CTO Selçuk Bayraktar, discussions centered on advancements in aerospace innovation, unmanned aerial systems and emerging defence technologies.

According to ISPR, the discussions reflected a “shared vision” to pursue enhanced collaboration in next-generation defence capabilities and technological innovation.

The visit comes amid steadily expanding strategic cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye across defence, security, trade and technology sectors.

Earlier this year, Asim Munir held talks with Turkish Chief of General Staff Selcuk Bayraktaroglu on regional security and bilateral defence cooperation.

Pakistan and Turkiye maintain longstanding military and diplomatic relations, with both countries increasingly pursuing closer collaboration in defence production, training and regional security coordination.