RAWALPINDI: Pakistan and Turkiye moved closer towards enhanced defence and aerospace cooperation as Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held key meetings with top Turkish military and technology officials during his official visit to Turkiye, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The Pakistan Air Force chief met General Ziya Cemal Kadıoglu, Commander of the Turkish Air Force, Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler, and Selcuk Bayraktar, Chief Technology Officer of Baykar Technologies. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defence ties, aerospace innovation, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and next-generation defence technologies.
The visit highlighted the growing strategic partnership between Pakistan and Turkiye, especially in military training, defence production, and technological cooperation. The two sides also discussed ways to improve interoperability through joint air exercises, training programmes, and professional exchanges between the Pakistan Air Force and Turkish Air Force.
At the Turkish Air Force Headquarters, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu was presented with a guard of honour. During the meeting, General Kadıoglu praised the Pakistan Air Force for its support in the training of Turkish pilots and acknowledged the professionalism of PAF personnel.
In a separate meeting with Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler, both countries reaffirmed their longstanding brotherly ties and expressed commitment to expanding cooperation in defence and aerospace sectors. The discussions also covered future collaboration in capacity building, advanced training systems, and regional security initiatives.
One of the most significant engagements of the visit was the meeting with Selcuk Bayraktar, the leading figure behind Baykar Technologies, known globally for its advanced drone technology and unmanned combat aerial vehicles. Both sides exchanged views on the future of UAS technology, aerospace innovation, and emerging defence systems.
According to ISPR, the high-level engagements reflected the shared vision of Pakistan and Turkiye to further strengthen strategic defence cooperation and jointly explore opportunities in modern warfare technologies and aerospace development.
