Azerbaijan Defence Delegation Strengthens Ties Pakistan

A Pakistan-Azerbaijan defence partnership gained momentum on Tuesday when a high-level Azerbaijani delegation, led by Agil Gurbanov, Deputy Minister and Director General of Defence, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. The meeting underscored the shared resolve of both nations to enhance defence cooperation, particularly in training, modernization, and advanced aerospace technology.

Warm Welcome at Air Headquarters

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Sidhu extended a cordial welcome to the Azerbaijani delegation. He emphasized that Pakistan and Azerbaijan share deep-rooted religious, cultural, and historical ties, which form the foundation of their strong brotherly relations.

He highlighted that such visits not only reaffirm bilateral trust but also pave the way for concrete cooperation in defence and security. By acknowledging the long-standing relationship, the Air Chief set the tone for strategic dialogue focused on strengthening collaboration.

Focus on Modernization and Training

During discussions, the Air Chief briefed the visiting delegation about the Pakistan Air Force’s ongoing modernization projects. He outlined PAF’s force development goals, operational construct, and long-term plans to adapt to future warfare requirements.

Air Chief Marshal Sidhu reiterated PAF’s readiness to provide capacity-building support to the Azerbaijan Air Force. He assured assistance in areas such as training, human resource development, and operational maintenance, with the aim of helping Azerbaijan strengthen its military capabilities.

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Azerbaijani Praise for PAF Achievements

Agil Gurbanov praised the professionalism of PAF personnel and admired the remarkable progress achieved through indigenization and innovation in aerospace technologies. He expressed Azerbaijan’s keen interest in drawing lessons from Pakistan’s experience in self-reliance and advanced aviation development.

He noted that the strides made by Pakistan in developing indigenous solutions provided an inspiring model for Azerbaijan’s own modernization efforts.

Interest in Joint Training Programs

The Azerbaijani delegation placed particular emphasis on enhancing joint training initiatives. Gurbanov underscored the importance of bilateral exercises, which would foster interoperability, shared learning, and professional growth for both air forces.

He highlighted Azerbaijan’s eagerness to collaborate in knowledge-sharing programs that could strengthen technical expertise and improve combat readiness. Such initiatives, he stated, would not only benefit the armed forces but also contribute to regional stability through enhanced defence cooperation.

Emphasis on Multi-Domain Operations

A significant part of the discussions focused on multi-domain operations. Gurbanov expressed Azerbaijan’s strong desire to understand PAF’s complete methodology for conducting operations across air, space, cyber, and electronic warfare domains.

He acknowledged that PAF’s extensive operational experience provides valuable insights that Azerbaijan can adopt to enhance its own defence structure. He added that Azerbaijan aims to revamp its entire training system, starting from academy-level instruction, and views PAF as a trusted partner in guiding this transformation.

Strengthening Military-to-Military Collaboration

Both sides agreed that military-to-military collaboration must be broadened to include advanced training modules, joint operational planning, and technology sharing. Gurbanov emphasized that deeper cooperation with PAF would accelerate the modernization of the Azerbaijan Air Force.

He stressed that Azerbaijan views Pakistan as a reliable partner whose support will be crucial in elevating its professional standards and operational readiness.

Shared Vision for Regional Stability

The visit reflected the shared aspiration of both nations to strengthen their strategic partnership while promoting peace and stability in the region. Defence officials noted that closer cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan would not only enhance bilateral defence capabilities but also support collective efforts for regional security.

The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to translate discussions into practical steps. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties through training, modernization, and joint exercises that will shape the future of their defence cooperation.

Path Forward

The high-level engagement at Air Headquarters marked another milestone in the growing Pakistan-Azerbaijan defence partnership. By prioritizing joint training, modernization, and multi-domain collaboration, both nations signaled their determination to deepen military ties and ensure preparedness for future challenges.