Pakistan says Iraq expressed ‘keen interest’ in JF-17 jets at air chiefs meeting

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military said on Saturday that Iraq had shown “keen interest” in its JF-17 Thunder and Super Mushshak aircraft at a meeting between chiefs of the two air forces.

Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu called on Lt. Gen. Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, commander of the Iraqi Air Force, during his official visit to Iraq.

The Pakistani air chief was accorded a guard of honor at the Iraqi Air Force headquarters, symbolizing the strong bond of mutual respect, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing.

“Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral military cooperation, with emphasis on joint training, capacity-building and improving operational cooperation,” the ISPR said.

“The Iraqi Air Chief praised PAF’s professionalism and technological advancement, expressed interest in benefiting from PAF’s world-class training and expressed keen interest in JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, Super Mushshak trainer aircraft.”