Islamabad (Dunya News) — Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to strengthen their defence partnership and expand military cooperation following an official visit by Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu to Uzbekistan.
The visit featured high-level meetings with Uzbekistan’s Defence Minister, Lieutenant General Botir Qudrathodjayev Bahromovich, and Deputy Defence Minister Major General Burkhanov Akhmad Jamolovich, who also commands the country’s Air Defence Forces and Air Force.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meetings focused on expanding the scope of defence cooperation between the two countries, with particular emphasis on strengthening institutional ties and improving collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
The discussions covered regional security, existing defence ties and prospects for institutional collaboration. The Air Chief highlighted the deep-rooted historical, cultural and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, and said closer defence relations would support regional peace and stability.
In the meeting with the Deputy Defence Minister, the interaction focused on Air Force-to-Air Force cooperation, with special emphasis on joint military exercises, structured exchange programmes, sustained professional interactions and capacity-building efforts.
Both sides also discussed cooperation in pilot training from basic to tactical level, technical training of maintenance crews and collaboration in aerospace-related technologies.
Both sides also discussed cooperation in pilot training from basic to tactical level, technical training of maintenance crews and collaboration in aerospace-related technologies. According to reports of the visit, the Air Chief highlighted opportunities for enhanced cooperation in these areas.
The two air forces have been building closer ties. In February 2025, a high-level Uzbek defence delegation led by Major General Burkhonov Akhmad Jamalovich, Deputy Minister of Defence and Commander of the Air Defence Forces and Air Force, called on Air Chief Marshal Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. The two sides discussed joint training and technological collaboration in the aerospace domain, and the Uzbek side expressed interest in expanding its Mushshak aircraft fleet through procurement from the Pakistan Air Force.
During the meetings, the Uzbek Defence Minister appreciated the Pakistan Air Force’s professional expertise, combat capabilities and operational effectiveness. He also praised the force’s progress in developing domestic aviation industry capability.
Both sides agreed to promote joint military exercises and professional exchanges to strengthen cooperation between their respective armed forces.
According to the ISPR, the Air Chief’s visit underscores Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its longstanding fraternal ties with Uzbekistan. The visit was also reported by ARY News and other outlets on Saturday.
