ISLAMABAD: In a significant development underscoring evolving regionalsecurity dynamics, the Royal Saudi Air Force has shown strong interest indeepening collaboration with the Pakistan Air Force, particularly inmastering multi-domain operations. This interest stems from Pakistan’sdemonstrated prowess in integrating advanced domains during recentconflicts, which Saudi Arabia views as a strategic asset for enhancing itsown defence posture against emerging threats. The recent high-level visitby Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu to the Kingdomhighlighted this growing convergence, as both sides explored avenues tobolster joint training and operational expertise in a rapidly changinggeopolitical landscape.
The discussions between Air Chief Marshal Sidhu and Lieutenant GeneralTurki bin Bander bin Abdulaziz, Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force,along with General Fayiadh bin Hameed Al-Rowaily, Chief of the GeneralStaff, focused on bilateral defence cooperation and future collaboration.Upon arrival, the Pakistani Air Chief received a ceremonial Guard ofHonour, reflecting the deep fraternal ties between the two nations. Bothparties expressed satisfaction with the current level of engagement andcommitted to expanding it through joint exercises, knowledge exchange andprofessional development programmes, with the Pakistan-KSA DefenceAgreement serving as a cornerstone of mutual trust.
At the heart of this renewed enthusiasm lies the Pakistan Air Force’stransformation into a robust multi-domain force. Multi-domain operationsinvolve seamless integration of air, space, cyber, electronic warfare andartificial intelligence capabilities to achieve decisive effects acrosstraditional and emerging battlefields. The PAF has invested heavily in thisevolution, incorporating advanced sensors, data fusion systems andAI-driven decision-making to create a networked force capable ofoutmanoeuvring adversaries in contested environments. Saudi leadershippraised this professionalism and combat readiness, viewing it as a modelfor modern warfare adaptation.
This interest is not merely theoretical. Saudi Arabia faces complexregional threats, including missile proliferation, cyber intrusions andhybrid challenges in the Gulf. Enhancing capabilities in multi-domainoperations would enable the Royal Saudi Air Force to achieve superiorsituational awareness, rapid targeting and resilient command structures. Bylearning from Pakistan’s experience, Riyadh aims to build deterrenceagainst potential aggressors, ensuring dominance in contested airspace andinformation domains critical for regional stability.
Pakistan’s operational performance has been highlighted as a key factordriving Saudi curiosity. In the May 2025 conflict, the PAF effectivelydemonstrated multi-domain integration, leveraging space-based assets,electronic warfare and cyber tools to counter aerial threats decisively.This built on earlier foundations, including the 2019 response toprovocations, where integrated operations showcased adaptability. Suchsuccesses have positioned the PAF as a credible source of expertise,particularly valuable for Saudi Arabia seeking to modernize amid shiftingalliances and security uncertainties.
The broader strategic context further explains this convergence. Pakistanand Saudi Arabia share enduring brotherly relations rooted in shared valuesand historical cooperation, including Pakistani advisory roles in Saudidefence. Recent formal agreements, including the 2025 Strategic MutualDefence Pact, have elevated ties to address mutual vulnerabilities.Discussions during the visit emphasized leveraging these frameworks foradvanced training, potentially including exercises focused on multi-domainscenarios to enhance interoperability and collective resilience.
Analysts note that Saudi Arabia’s pursuit aligns with global militarytrends toward multi-domain warfare. As threats transcend single domains,integrating cyber and space with traditional air power becomes essentialfor victory. Pakistan’s practical experience offers Riyadh a cost-effectivepathway to capability development, avoiding prolonged reliance on externalsuppliers while fostering South-South cooperation in defence.
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This collaboration promises mutual benefits. For Pakistan, it strengthensdiplomatic leverage and economic partnerships through enhanced defenceexports and training revenues. For Saudi Arabia, it acceleratesmodernization, bolstering deterrence in a volatile region. Both sidesreiterated Pakistan’s constructive role in regional peace, underscoring howshared expertise can contribute to stability.
As engagements deepen, the focus on multi-domain operations signals a newera in Pakistan-Saudi defence relations, one driven by technologicalsynergy and strategic necessity in an increasingly complex world.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1965804/in-meeting-with-air-chief-saudi-defence-leadership-expresses-interest-in-joint-training-operational-collaboration
Tags: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Air Force, Royal Saudi Air Force,Multi-Domain Operations
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