Saudi Arabia’s top air force commander met Pakistan’s air chief in the Kingdom to explore ways to expand and deepen military cooperation between the two long-standing defense partners, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense said on Wednesday.
The talks brought together Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force, and Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force.
According to the Saudi defense ministry, the two air chiefs discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation across multiple military domains, reflecting the evolving security environment in the Gulf and South Asia.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), #Pakistan Air Force, during an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), held delegation level talks with the Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF).
From all the Muslim countries in the… pic.twitter.com/HGP4xGMguA
— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) January 7, 2026
Modernization and Strategic Alignment
Air Marshal Turki bin Bandar, a senior member of the Saudi royal family, has led the Royal Saudi Air Force since 2018 and oversees its modernization, operational readiness, and regional engagement. Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, whose tenure was extended in December 2025, is set to lead the Pakistan Air Force until March 2028.
The meeting comes as Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in advanced air and missile defense systems, while Pakistan intensifies defense diplomacy with Gulf partners amid shifting regional dynamics.
Long-Standing Defense Partnership
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan maintain close military ties, including training exchanges, joint exercises, and technical cooperation—particularly in air force operations. Pakistani military personnel have historically served in advisory and training roles in the Kingdom, underscoring the depth of bilateral defense cooperation.
The Pakistan Air Force is widely regarded as one of the most professional air forces in the region and has regularly participated in multinational air exercises hosted by Saudi Arabia. The Royal Saudi Air Force, meanwhile, plays a central role in the Kingdom’s broader defense strategy, including aerial surveillance, air defense, and joint operational preparedness.
Both countries describe their military relationship as a cornerstone of their wider strategic partnership, which also encompasses economic cooperation, labor ties, and regional diplomatic coordination.
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