Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held high-level meetings with Turkiye’s military and defence leadership during his official visit to the country, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation in defence, aerospace innovation and emerging technologies.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Chief of the Air Staff met Turkish Air Force Commander General Ziya Cemal Kadıoglu, Defence Minister Yasar Guler and Baykar Technologies Chief Technology Officer Selcuk Bayraktar.

The meetings focused on strengthening strategic collaboration, enhancing interoperability and promoting cooperation in next-generation defence technologies.

During his visit to Turkish Air Force Headquarters, the Pakistan Air Force chief was presented a Guard of Honour. Discussions included expanding joint air exercises, training programmes and professional exchanges between the two air forces.

The Turkish Air Force commander also appreciated the Pakistan Air Force’s support in training Turkish pilots, ISPR said.

In his meeting with Defence Minister Yasar Guler, both sides reaffirmed the longstanding historical and strategic ties between Pakistan and Turkiye while exploring greater cooperation in defence training, capacity building and aerospace collaboration.

In a separate meeting with Baykar Technologies CTO Selcuk Bayraktar, discussions centred on unmanned aerial systems, aerospace innovation and emerging defence technologies.

Both sides expressed a shared resolve to enhance collaboration in advanced and next-generation defence capabilities, the statement added.