Indonesia eyes closer air force cooperation with Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Indonesia has expressed keen interest in benefiting from the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) combat experience and advanced training systems to enhance its own defence capabilities, Pakistan’s military said on Friday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during his official visit to Indonesia, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening long-standing bilateral ties and expanding defence cooperation.

The Indonesian president showed strong interest in leveraging the PAF’s modern training regime and aerospace development infrastructure to bolster Indonesia’s defence preparedness, the statement said.

The air chief highlighted the historic and brotherly relations between the two countries, underscoring shared values and the need to deepen strategic and defence collaboration.

During the visit, Sidhu also held separate high-level meetings with Indonesia’s Defence Minister, Lt-Gen (retd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, and the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force.

He was presented with guard-of-honour ceremonies at various engagements.

In talks with his Indonesian counterpart, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation between their air forces, including joint training from basic to advanced levels, professional exchanges and collaboration in emerging aerospace domains.

The Indonesian Air Force chief praised the PAF’s operational experience and training expertise and expressed a desire for assistance in operational and flying training.

In recognition of his role in promoting bilateral air cooperation, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu was awarded the Indonesian Air Force’s highest honour, the “Medal of Honour,” the ISPR said.

Separate meetings with Indonesia’s defence minister and the chief of defence forces focused on broader security and defence matters. Indonesian leaders also commended the PAF’s professionalism, modernisation drive and the advanced technological capabilities of Pakistan’s National Aerospace Science and Technology Park.

The visit is being viewed as a significant step towards strengthening defence ties, air force collaboration and strategic partnership between the two countries.