A high-level Indonesian defence delegation, led by Defence Minister Lieutenant General (Retd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, met Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu on Tuesday at Air Headquarters, Islamabad.
According to sources, the meeting is being viewed as an important follow-up to the recent visit of the Indonesian President to Pakistan. As per the Pakistan Air Force’s Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR), both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on capacity building, specialized training, and technical cooperation between the two air forces.
This development comes at a time when several countries have expressed interest in acquiring Pakistan’s flagship JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft. Following its impressive performance during the May 2025 Pakistan–India conflict, the aircraft’s global credibility and stature have further increased.
Sources said that Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu briefed the distinguished guest on the ongoing modernization drive of the Pakistan Air Force. He highlighted the induction of new defense capabilities and infrastructure development aimed at maintaining operational superiority across the full spectrum of operations. The Air Chief reiterated the PAF’s commitment to sustained institutional linkages and joint operational collaboration with Indonesia.
A key focus of the discussions was the JF-17 Thunder aircraft and potential technical cooperation, reflecting Indonesia’s growing interest in Pakistan’s flagship fighter jet. Defence Minister Sjamsoeddin praised the Pakistan Air Force’s operational excellence and specifically appreciated the technological achievements attained through the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP). He described the park as evidence of Pakistan’s increasing self-reliance in the aerospace sector.
The Indonesian Defence Minister expressed a desire to expand joint ventures in the aviation and aerospace fields and acknowledged Pakistan’s role in promoting regional stability. The meeting reflects a growing trend in Pakistan–Indonesia defence relations aimed at further strengthening the longstanding partnership through advanced military cooperation.
