PAF Chief Visits Romania to Boost Defence Ties

Rawalpindi: During an official visit to Romania, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), met with Lieutenant General Leonard-Gabriel Baraboi, the Chief of the Romanian Air Force. The visit focused on deepening bilateral defence ties and exploring opportunities for greater collaboration between the two Air Forces, according to a statement from the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Upon arrival at the Romanian Air Force Headquarters, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu was welcomed with a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Romanian Air Force.

The discussions between the two Air Force leaders covered a wide range of topics, including enhancing operational cooperation through joint air exercises, exchange programs, and the training of both air and ground crews. They also discussed regional security dynamics and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining stability through bilateral cooperation.

Lieutenant General Baraboi praised the Pakistan Air Force for its professionalism, particularly highlighting its recent achievements in the face of Indian aggression. He also recognized the PAF’s significant progress through indigenization initiatives under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Sidhu.

Both leaders agreed on the need to establish strong institutional mechanisms for sustained cooperation, especially in addressing shared aerial defence challenges. They also discussed expanding Air Force-to-Air Force collaboration and the potential for defence-industrial partnerships in advanced aerospace technologies.

This visit is seen as a key milestone in strengthening military ties between Pakistan and Romania, reflecting the two nations’ ongoing commitment to peace, stability, and military collaboration in a rapidly changing security landscape.

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Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi, graced the ceremony as chief guest and handed over the traditional Command Scroll to Commanding Officer of PNS YAMAMA. Deputy Fleet Commander of Romanian Navy, Rear Admiral (UH) Marian Ciobotaru, and the Ambassador of Pakistan to Romania, Arshad Jaan Pathan, were also present.

Addressing the ceremony, the chief guest emphasized the significance of this project and highlighted the additional set of capabilities that PNS Yamama brings to Pakistan Navy’s sphere of operations. He further stated that these platforms are designed to enhance full spectrum of Navy’s maritime operations.