Indonesia is looking to leverage the PAF’s training ecosystem and aerospace capabilities

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has expressed keen interest in leveraging the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) advanced training ecosystem and aerospace development infrastructure to improve his country’s defense capabilities, the military’s media wing said on Friday.

A statement from Inter Services Public Relations said the Indonesian president showed his intention during a meeting with Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, who is on an official visit to Indonesia.

During the meeting, the air chief emphasized the shared values ​​and longstanding brotherhood between Pakistan and Indonesia.

Earlier, he held separate high-level meetings with Defense Minister Lieutenant General (Retd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, the Chief of the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the Indonesian Air Marshal.

“During discussion with the Indonesian Air Chief, both sides discussed enhanced Air Force-to-Air Force cooperation, joint training from basic to advanced level, professional exchanges and cooperation in new aerospace domains. The Indonesian Air Chief sought the PAF’s support to promote operational and flight training, recognizing the PAF’s rich combat experience, the honored air, the Indonesian honor award of the Indonesian combat experience. Air Force in recognition of his role in enhancing bilateral air force cooperation,” ISPR said.

ACM Sidhu also held a joint meeting with the Indonesian Defense Minister and Chief of Defense Forces where a wide range of defense and security issues were discussed.

The ISPR said the Indonesian leadership appreciated the PAF’s “professionalism, modernization drive and praised the advanced technological infrastructure” at the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park.

The PAF and its defense capabilities have received considerable international attention following the India–Pakistan conflict last year, in which PAF jets successfully shot down six Indian aircraft while none of Pakistan’s warplanes were seriously damaged. In the wake of the military success, several countries have shown great interest in entering into defense agreements with Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has previously emphasized that Pakistan’s defense production has been strengthened in the wake of the conflict. He noted that global demand for the country’s fighter jets has increased as more nations actively seek to engage with Pakistan on defense issues. The Prime Minister emphasized that this development will not only improve Pakistan’s defense capabilities but will also contribute positively to the country’s economy.