Chief of South African Air Force Calls on Pakistan Air Chief in Islamabad
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo, Chief of the South African Air Force, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, during an official visit to Air Headquarters, Islamabad.
Upon arrival, Lieutenant General Mbambo was presented with a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force, reflecting the long-standing camaraderie between the two Air Forces.
In a meeting marked by mutual respect and strategic insight, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu emphasized the shared values and aspirations that underpin the strong and historic ties between Pakistan and South Africa. He reiterated the Pakistan Air Force’s commitment to enhancing the aerial combat capabilities of the South African Air Force through customized training programs and capacity-building initiatives.
Lieutenant General Mbambo commended the Pakistan Air Force for its robust operational readiness, multi-domain warfare capabilities, and its success in maintaining a credible deterrence posture. He underscored the importance of deepening bilateral defence cooperation and expressed a strong desire to institutionalize a more formal and enduring relationship between the two Air Forces.
A key topic of discussion was the transformation of the South African Air Force’s training structure. In this regard, Lieutenant General Mbambo sought Pakistan’s support in designing a comprehensive and modern training framework starting from the academy level. He also conveyed his interest in having South African Air Force officers participate as observers in major operational exercises conducted by the PAF.
Highlighting the technical excellence and cost-effective maintenance solutions offered by Pakistan Air Force’s engineering infrastructure, the visiting dignitary also expressed South Africa’s intent to undertake inspection and maintenance of its C-130 fleet in Pakistan.
The visit marks a significant step forward in defence collaboration between Pakistan and South Africa, reinforcing shared commitments to regional peace, operational excellence, and mutual growth in the aerospace domain.
