ISLAMABAD: Azerbaijan has shown strong interest in learning the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) multi-domain air warfare capabilities to bolster its defense strength, the Pakistani military said on Tuesday.
The announcement followed a visit by a high-level Azerbaijani delegation, led by Deputy Minister and Director-General of Defense Agil Gurbanov, to meet PAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad.
During the meeting, both sides held extensive discussions, emphasizing defense collaboration in training, modernization, and technical expertise, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing.
Deputy Minister Gurbanov “expressed Azerbaijan’s keen desire to learn the PAF’s complete methodology of Multi-Domain Operations, highlighting Pakistan Air Force’s operational experience as a valuable model,” the ISPR stated. He added that his country was particularly eager to strengthen its capabilities by adopting lessons from Pakistan’s battle-proven strategies.
The visit follows a four-day Pakistan-India aerial standoff in May, in which the PAF reportedly conducted multi-domain operations to down six Indian fighter jets, including French-made Rafales. While India has confirmed some losses, it has not provided exact numbers. Experts estimate that around 110 aircraft were involved in what is considered the world’s largest air battle in decades.
Deputy Minister Gurbanov described the PAF’s seamless integration of multi-domain operations as a “hallmark of modern air warfare” and highlighted the importance of joint training initiatives through bilateral exercises to enhance shared learning, interoperability, and professional excellence.
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Air Chief Marshal Sidhu briefed the delegation on the PAF’s ongoing modernization projects, operational structure, and future force development plans. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support in capacity-building efforts for the Azerbaijan Air Force, covering training, maintenance, and human resource development.
“The Azerbaijani delegation expressed its intent to revamp its entire training system, starting from the academy level, and acknowledged Pakistan Air Force as a trusted partner in this transformation,” the ISPR said, adding that such cooperation would advance Azerbaijan’s modernization and professional growth.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan share close brotherly, trade, and defense ties. In July 2024, Azerbaijan pledged a $2 billion investment in Pakistan during President Ilham Aliyev’s visit. In September 2024, Pakistan signed a contract to supply JF-17 Block III fighter jets to Azerbaijan, further strengthening defense collaboration.
“The visit of the Azerbaijani defense delegation to Islamabad underscores the mutual commitment of Pakistan and Azerbaijan to deepen their strategic partnership while promoting regional peace, security, and stability,” the ISPR concluded.