KARACHI: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu on Wednesday discussed joint air exercises, exchange training programs and expanding bilateral defense ties with his Romanian counterpart, Lt Gen Leonard-Gabriel Baraboi, during his visit to the European country, the Pakistani military said.
Sidhu was given a guard-of-honor at the Romanian Air Force Headquarters in Bucharest upon his arrival, the Pakistani military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said. Later, he and Baraboi discussed regional security dynamics and reaffirmed the importance of bilateral cooperation to strengthen regional and global security, according to the ISPR.
The meeting in Romania follows Pakistan’s military confrontation with India in May, when the PAF claimed it downed six Indian fighter jets. India’s defense chief acknowledged that it lost fighter jets to Pakistan but rejected the claim that six had been shot down by Pakistan. Several countries have sought closer ties and collaboration with the PAF since then.
“The Air Chief held detailed discussions with Lt. Gen. Baraboi centered on advancing operational cooperation, including joint air exercises, exchange programs and training of air and ground crew,” the ISPR said.
“During the meeting, the two air chiefs discussed expanding air force cooperation and strengthening defense-industrial partnerships in advanced aerospace technologies.”
The ISPR highlighted that the PAF chief’s visit to Romania marked a milestone in the military relations between the countries and their enduring commitment to peace and development in a rapidly evolving security environment.
Pakistan has also attempted to enhance defense ties and initiate air force training programs and exercises since its skirmishes with India in May.
In June, the PAF committed to providing basic and tactical-level training to Belarusian fighter pilots, followed by Sidhu’s visit to the US, the first by a serving PAF chief in more than ten years.
Senior PAF and Turkiye air force officials also agreed in September to enhance cooperation in joint training, mutual exercises and multi-domain operations.
In September, the PAF and Iraq resolved to enhance training initiatives and joint exercises between the two countries to improve interoperability.
