PAF and Zimbabwe Air Force Strengthen Defence Ties Through High-Level Meeting

Zimbabwe Seeks PAF Support to Modernize Air Force Training

By DTD- On Apr 23, 2025

Islamabad — A high-level military delegation led by Air Marshal John Jacob Nzvede, Commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe, visited Air Headquarters in Islamabad and met with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The visit marks a significant step towards expanding defence cooperation between the two nations.

Air Marshal Nzvede was presented with a Guard of Honour upon arrival, followed by an extensive meeting between the two dignitaries. The discussion centered around mutual interests in defence collaboration, focusing on training, modernization, and technical expertise.

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu provided insights into PAF’s ongoing modernization efforts, force structure plans, and its vision for future warfare capabilities. He reiterated Pakistan’s continued commitment to capacity building of the Zimbabwean Air Force through human resource development, operational training, and technical support.

Air Marshal Nzvede expressed deep appreciation for the hospitality and emphasized Zimbabwe’s intent to revamp its air force training framework. He requested training for Zimbabwean cadets at the renowned PAF Academy Asghar Khan and sought deployment of PAF pilots, engineers, and technical experts to aid Zimbabwe’s modernization plans.

The talks also included the procurement and delivery of 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft to enhance Zimbabwe’s operational training capability. The delegation toured the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park, expressing admiration for Pakistan’s advancements in ISR, Cybersecurity, Space Technology, Electronic Warfare, and Unmanned Aerial Systems.

Both sides agreed to joint exchange programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives to align Zimbabwe’s air capabilities with contemporary standards. The meeting reflects the deep-rooted military ties and growing strategic partnership between Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

This engagement is seen as a testament to the shared resolve to enhance defence collaboration through joint exercises, capability sharing, and tailored training programs.