ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa, Commander of the Ethiopian Air Force, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), at Air Headquarters in Islamabad on Wednesday.
The meeting, reported by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), featured wide-ranging discussions on areas of mutual interest, with both sides reaffirming their determination to deepen cooperation between the two air forces.
Upon arrival, the visiting dignitary was presented with a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned-out PAF contingent, reflecting the ceremonial warmth extended to Ethiopia’s Air Chief.
Expanding cooperation
During the talks, the Chief of the Air Staff assured Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa of Pakistan’s unwavering support to the Ethiopian air force in its professional growth. He emphasised enhancing the military partnership through joint training initiatives, capacity building, advanced training and operational collaboration.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu also underlined Pakistan’s strong bonds of friendship with Ethiopia and the commitment to furthering defence ties.
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The Ethiopian air chief expressed gratitude for the hospitality received and praised PAF’s operational readiness, evolving multi-domain capabilities and credible deterrence posture. He voiced Ethiopia’s interest in benefitting from PAF’s rich combat experience, integrated command systems and technological innovations, particularly in the areas of indigenous development and modernisation.
Focus on technology
As part of his visit, Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa was briefed at the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre and at PAF Cyber Command. He lauded PAF’s adoption of cutting-edge technologies and integration of advanced systems in modern warfare, while noting Ethiopia’s interest in exploring avenues of technology transfer within the aviation sector.