ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu has held a series of high-level engagements during his official visit to Turkiye.
The visit highlighted the close defence relationship between the two nations and underlined their growing collaboration in aerospace innovation, military modernisation and emerging technologies. It also reflected broader efforts by both countries to deepen cooperation in sectors considered vital for future security and technological advancement.
The official engagements brought together senior military leadership, government officials and leading figures from Turkiye’s rapidly expanding defence and aerospace sectors. Discussions centred on strengthening institutional ties and exploring new areas of cooperation as both countries continue to expand strategic engagement across multiple domains.
During the visit, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu held key meetings with senior Turkish military and defence officials, including leadership of the Turkish Air Force. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation and reviewing opportunities for expanding military collaboration.
The engagements reaffirmed the long-standing relationship shared by Pakistan and Turkiye, often described by officials from both countries as a partnership built on mutual trust, shared interests and close historical ties. Defence cooperation has remained one of the strongest pillars of that relationship, with both nations frequently engaging in military exchanges, training initiatives and strategic coordination.
As part of the visit, the Pakistan Air Force Chief also met Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler. The meeting focused on strategic defence cooperation and examined ways to strengthen existing partnerships between the two countries.
The discussions are understood to have covered a range of defence-related matters, including opportunities for greater institutional coordination and enhanced military engagement. The interaction highlighted the growing significance of Pakistan-Turkiye defence relations amid evolving regional and global security dynamics.
A major highlight of the visit was Air Chief Marshal Sidhu’s engagement with Baykar Chief Technology Officer Selçuk Bayraktar. The meeting reflected increasing attention on future-oriented technologies and innovation-led cooperation between the two countries.
Baykar has become one of Turkiye’s most prominent aerospace and defence technology companies, gaining international recognition for its unmanned aerial systems and expanding technological footprint. Discussions with the company leadership indicated a shared interest in exploring opportunities in aerospace development and emerging technologies.