PAF Ready to Support South African Air Force with Training and Technical Collaboration: Air Chief Zaheer Sidhu

Chief of South African Air Force Visits Air Headquarters, Seeks Deeper Collaboration with PAF

By DTD- On Jul 2, 2025

ISLAMABAD –: Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo, Chief of the South African Air Force, paid an official visit to Air Headquarters Islamabad where he met with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

The visiting dignitary was presented with a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force upon his arrival.

In a comprehensive meeting between the two air chiefs, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in the field of air power. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Sidhu highlighted the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and South Africa, emphasizing shared values and mutual aspirations. He reiterated PAF’s readiness to assist in bolstering the operational and training capabilities of the South African Air Force through customized training programs and capacity-building initiatives.

Lieutenant General Mbambo praised PAF’s high standards of operational preparedness, multi-domain warfare capabilities, and effective deterrence posture. Expressing strong interest in further institutionalizing ties, he underscored the need for a strategic and formalized relationship between the two Air Forces.

A key focus of the discussions was the modernization of the South African Air Force’s training structure. Lieutenant General Mbambo requested Pakistan’s support in developing a contemporary training framework, beginning at the academy level. He also expressed interest in sending South African officers to observe major PAF operational exercises.

Recognizing PAF’s technical expertise and cost-effective maintenance services, the South African Air Chief conveyed his intent to utilize Pakistan’s engineering infrastructure for the inspection and maintenance of his country’s C-130 fleet.

The visit marks a significant step forward in defense collaboration between Pakistan and South Africa, particularly in training, operations, and aircraft maintenance domains.