Turkish air chief praises PAF role in training pilots during ACM Sidhu visit

ISLAMABAD: Turkish Air Force Commander General Ziya Cemal Kadıoglu has appreciated the Pakistan Air Force’s support in the training of Turkish pilots during a meeting with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu at the Turkish Air Force Headquarters, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday.

The military’s media wing said ACM Sidhu is on an official visit to Turkiye, where he held a series of high-level meetings with senior Turkish civilian and military leadership as well as a leading defence technology executive. The statement said the engagements reflected the increasing strategic alignment between Pakistan and Turkiye and their shared intent to expand cooperation in defence, aerospace innovation, and emerging technologies.

Talks at Turkish Air Force Headquarters

During his meeting with General Kadıoglu, the PAF chief discussed ways to improve interoperability between the two air forces. According to the ISPR, the discussions covered the scope for greater cooperation through joint exercises, training initiatives, and professional exchanges.

The same meeting also included the Turkish commander’s acknowledgement of Pakistan’s assistance in preparing Turkish pilots, the statement said. The ISPR presented the interaction as part of broader defence ties between the two countries, which have maintained close military cooperation.

Meeting with Turkish defence minister

ACM Sidhu also met Turkish Minister of National Defence Yasar Guler during the visit. The ISPR said both sides reiterated the longstanding historical and strategic relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye while examining opportunities for deeper engagement in training, capacity building, and aerospace-related cooperation.

The statement said the meeting formed part of a wider set of consultations aimed at strengthening bilateral collaboration in areas linked to defence preparedness and technical development.

Engagement with Baykar Technologies

In another meeting, ACM Sidhu held talks with Selcuk Bayraktar, Chief Technology Officer of Baykar Technologies. The ISPR said the discussion centred on developments in aerospace innovation, unmanned aerial systems, and emerging technologies.

The military’s media wing said the engagement reflected a common outlook on expanding cooperation in advanced defence technologies.

The interaction focused on advancements in aerospace innovation, unmanned aerial systems and emerging technologies, reflecting the shared vision of both sides to pursue greater collaboration in next-generation defence technologies

According to the ISPR, the meetings during the visit collectively reaffirmed the commitment of Pakistan and Turkiye to broaden collaboration across defence and aerospace sectors. The statement described the engagements as part of continuing efforts by both countries to deepen strategic cooperation through institutional links, training partnerships, and technology-focused exchanges.

No further details were provided in the statement regarding the duration of the visit or any additional agreements reached during the meetings.