Indonesia eyes PAF training model to boost its airpower capabilities

Pakistan Air Force Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during an official visit to Indonesia, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

In the meeting, the air chief highlighted the shared values and long-standing ties between Pakistan and Indonesia. The Indonesian president, the military’s media wing said, showed interest in drawing on the PAF’s training ecosystem and aerospace development infrastructure to strengthen Indonesia’s defence capabilities.

ISPR said Sidhu also held separate high-level meetings with Indonesia’s defence minister, the commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, and the Indonesian air chief. Discussions focused on expanding air force-to-air force cooperation, including joint training from basic to advanced levels, professional exchanges, and collaboration in emerging aerospace domains.

The Indonesian air chief, ISPR added, sought PAF support for operational and flying training, citing Pakistan’s combat experience. During the visit, Sidhu was awarded the Indonesian Air Force’s Medal of Honour in recognition of his role in advancing bilateral airpower cooperation.

ISPR said a joint session with Indonesia’s defence leadership also reviewed broader security and defence matters, and the Indonesian side praised the PAF’s professionalism, modernisation efforts, and the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park’s technological infrastructure.