Pakistan, Bahrain discuss multi-domain warfare and joint training plans

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Islamabad witnessed a high-profile defence engagement on Monday as Lieutenant General Thiab Saqer Abdulla Al Nuaimi, Chief of Staff of the Bahrain Defence Force, visited Air Headquarters.

He was warmly received by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

On arrival, a smartly turned-out PAF contingent presented the visiting dignitary with a Guard of Honour. The Air chief extended a gracious welcome, highlighting the historic and religious bonds uniting Pakistan and Bahrain, which continue to shape their enduring military partnership.

The meeting revolved around multiple areas of mutual interest, with both leaders reaffirming their shared resolve to enhance bilateral cooperation. The agenda placed strong emphasis on joint training programmes, collective military growth, and knowledge-sharing in advanced defence fields.

Defence cooperation

Discussions underscored the importance of expanding collaboration through joint exercises and exchange initiatives. Air Chief Marshal Sidhu stressed that Pakistan highly values its diplomatic and defence ties with Bahrain, particularly as both nations maintain aligned positions on matters of regional peace, security, and stability.

The Bahraini Chief of Staff lauded the professionalism of PAF personnel and acknowledged the significant strides made by the Air Force in indigenisation and cutting-edge technological development. He highlighted Pakistan’s achievements in self-reliance as a model for regional defence modernisation.

Training and knowledge

A key focus of the dialogue was the prospect of launching comprehensive training programmes for Bahraini pilots and engineers. Lieutenant General Al Nuaimi expressed keen interest in benefiting from PAF’s extensive operational experience, especially in the sphere of Multi-Domain Warfare. He conveyed a desire to gain deeper insights into PAF’s methodologies, recognising their relevance to Bahrain’s future defence preparedness.

The talks also touched on academic and technical collaboration in multi-domain operations, an area where Bahrain aims to enhance its capabilities with Pakistani support.

Technological advancements

The Chief of Staff of Bahrain Defence Force commended the role of Pakistan’s National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, which he described as a hub of innovation driving modern indigenous capabilities. He praised the ongoing efforts of PAF in advancing local defence technologies and underlined their significance for broader military cooperation.

Later in the visit, the Bahraini delegation toured the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre and the PAF Cyber Command. Here, they were briefed on the operational strengths of the Pakistan Air Force, offering them a closer view of PAF’s technological edge and combat-readiness.