Pakistan hosted an Iraqi military delegation in August 2024, a meeting that focused on boosting cooperation between the two countries’ Air Forces.
Lt. Gen. Ahmed Dawood Salman, secretary-general of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, visited Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force.
Topics of mutual interest filled their agenda, including expanded training and cooperation between the two militaries, particularly in aviation. Commander of Iraqi Air Force
Lt. Gen. Shehab Jahid Ali was part of the delegation.
Marshal Sidhu reiterated Pakistan’s support for providing capacity-building to the Iraqi Air Force. Pakistan recently delivered Super Mushshak trainer aircraft to Iraq.
Lt. Gen. Salman expressed interest in optimizing military ties with the Pakistan Air Force to help advance tactical training, enlist emerging technology and improve operational skills. Pakistan has agreed to assist Iraq in pilot training, air defense and cyber technology.
The Iraqi delegation also visited Pakistan’s National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) to observe the development of aeronautical projects. Lt. Gen. Salman expressed appreciation for the research and innovation underway at the NASTP.
Pakistan also showed off its growing domestic aircraft industry and Iraq expressed interest in acquiring another
12 Super Mushshak trainers.
The Iraqi visit also included a meeting with Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. Sources: Inter-Services Public Relations, Pakistan, Arab News