ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to deepen cooperation between their air forces, with a focus on joint training and emerging multi-domain capabilities, during meetings held in the Kingdom this week, Pakistan’s military said on Thursday.
The talks took place as Saudi Arabia continues efforts to modernize its air and missile defense capabilities, while Pakistan seeks to broaden defense diplomacy with Gulf partners amid shifting regional security dynamics and an increased focus on advanced warfare domains.
According to a statement from Pakistan’s military media wing, Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force, met Turki bin Bander bin Abdulaziz, Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force, and Fayiadh bin Hameed Al-Rowaily, Chief of the General Staff of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during his official visit to Saudi Arabia.
“The Air Chief highlighted the historic and fraternal ties between the two countries and reiterated his commitment to strengthening military-to-military cooperation through bilateral and multilateral exercises,” the statement said. “He also underscored the transformation of Pakistan Air Force into a robust Multi Domain Force, integrating space, cyber, electronic warfare and artificial intelligence capabilities, demonstrated through its operational performance.”
Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu (left) and Saudi Lieutenant General Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz pose for a picture in Riyadh on January 8, 2026. (Saudi Ministry of Defence)
The Saudi defense leadership praised the professionalism, operational excellence and combat readiness of the Pakistan Air Force and expressed strong interest in enhanced joint training and operational collaboration, particularly in the domain of Multi Domain Operations, the statement added.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain close defense ties that include training exchanges, joint exercises and technical cooperation, with Pakistani military personnel having long served in advisory and training roles in the Kingdom.
The two sides also regularly consult on regional security developments as part of a broader strategic partnership spanning defense, economic cooperation and diplomacy.
Last year in September, they signed a joint defense pact, pledging that any aggression against one would be treated as an attack on both.
