Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu paid an official visit to Saudi Arabia, where he was accorded a guard of honour by the Royal Saudi Air Force, underscoring the strength of Pak-Saudi defence relations.
Upon arrival, the air chief was presented with a guard of honour by the Royal Saudi Air Force, reflecting the close military ties between the two brotherly countries.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the ceremonial reception highlighted mutual respect and longstanding cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
سمو قائد #القوات_الجوية الفريق الركن تركي بن بندر بن عبدالعزيز يستقبل معالي رئيس أركان القوات الجوية الباكستانية الفريق الأول ظهير أحمد بابر، ويبحثان فرص تعزيز وتطوير مجالات التعاون العسكري بين الجانبين. pic.twitter.com/QVbjgIfAA1
— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) January 6, 2026
During the visit, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu met Saudi Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Fayyaz bin Humaid. The discussions focused on bilateral defence cooperation and the evolving regional security environment.
The PAF chief also held talks with Lieutenant General Turki bin Bandar Al Aziz, Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force, further strengthening institutional military links.
Defence cooperation, regional security
ISPR said both sides held detailed discussions on defence collaboration and regional security challenges. It was mutually agreed to further strengthen defence cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The Pakistan-Saudi defence agreement was described as a symbol of mutual trust, shared values, and brotherly relations between the two nations.
Joint training and operations
Both countries agreed to increase joint training initiatives and operational cooperation. The Saudi leadership praised the professionalism and high combat readiness of the Pakistan Air Force.
Saudi Arabia also expressed deep interest in enhancing cooperation across multi-domain operations, reflecting the evolving nature of modern warfare.
Also Read: PAF chief meets Saudi military leadership to strengthen defence ties
The air chief briefed the Saudi leadership on the Pakistan Air Force’s transformation into a multi-domain force. He highlighted the integration of space, cyber, electronic warfare, and artificial intelligence capabilities within the PAF.
The Saudi side welcomed this transformation and showed keen interest in strengthening joint cooperation in these advanced operational domains.
Pakistan’s regional role
According to ISPR, Saudi officials appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability. The contribution of the Pakistan Air Force to regional security was also acknowledged. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the Pak-Saudi strategic partnership.
معالي رئيس #هيئة_الأركان_العامة الفريق الأول الركن فياض الرويلي يلتقي معالي رئيس أركان القوات الجوية الباكستانية الفريق الأول ظهير أحمد بابر، خلال زيارته الرسمية للمملكة. وجرى خلال اللقاء مناقشة عددٍ من الموضوعات ذات الاهتمام المشترك. pic.twitter.com/XCbCiyiT0J
— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) January 6, 2026
The visit concluded with a renewed pledge to deepen defence ties, expand operational collaboration, and build on the strong foundation of trust between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
ISPR said the engagements reflect a shared vision to enhance military cooperation and address regional and global security challenges together.
