"PAF Praised by Turkish DM for Role Against India"

Turkey’s Defence Minister, Yaşar Güler, has publicly lauded the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for its exceptional performance and readiness in the recent conflict with India. During his visit to the Air Headquarters in Islamabad, Minister Güler hailed the PAF’s unwavering defense of Pakistan’s sovereignty. Under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, the PAF reportedly executed its mission with “precision, discipline and courage”.

• High-Level Visit: Minister Güler and a delegation met with ACM Sidhu at PAF’s HQ 

• Praise for PAF: Highlighted operational readiness, professional acumen, and strategic response.

• Strategic Dialogue: Talks on regional security dynamics, defence cooperation, advanced tech, and aerospace collaboration 

• Pilot Exchange: Turkish defence minister appreciated ongoing pilot exchange programmes

• Joint Working Groups: Both agreed to set up dedicated groups to strengthen collaboration

• Next Steps: More bilateral & multilateral air exercises, joint defence industry projects, advanced avionics & unmanned systems expected

• Yaşar Güler (Turkish Defence Minister):

  “The Pakistan Air Force’s operational preparedness and defence of sovereignty were exceptional.” 
  Emphasized deepening industry-to-industry cooperation in tech, avionics, drones, and joint air exercises

• Air Chief Marshal Zaheer A.B. Sidhu:
  Recalled the “enduring brotherly ties” between Pakistan and Turkey, affirming PAF’s commitment to expanded collaboration in advanced training and aerospace

Strengthening PAF’s International Standing

A rare, high-level commendation from Turkey enhances PAF’s global reputation—especially given the sensitive India-Pakistan security context. This reflects growing confidence in Pakistan’s air defence capabilities .

Industry-to-Industry Ties

The focus on defence industries signals potential Joint Ventures (JVs) in areas like aircraft avionics, simulators, satellite tech, and drone systems—key to reducing dependence on third-party suppliers across the region.

Pilot & Training Exchanges

Strengthening professional interoperability via pilot exchanges—such as inclusion in programs like Anatolian Eagle—supports tactical know-how and mission success.

Regional Security & Defence Integration

Coordinating with Turkey positions Pakistan within broader strategic alliances, reinforcing deterrence across South Asian and Middle Eastern theatres.

Tech Collaboration: Drones & UAS

Acknowledgement of unmanned systems paves the way for collaboration on Turkish-Pakistani YIHA-III loitering munitions and advanced drone platforms

Historic Military Cooperation

• Since 1954, Pakistan & Turkey have cultivated military ties—air force training, joint exercises, and mutual political stances on key regional issues 

• Long history of co-operation in JF-17, F‑16, and aircraft training.

Future Fighters & Drones

• Joint venture under discussion for KAAN 5th-generation fighter jet production facilities 

• YIHA-III drones actively used in Pakistan, including in recent India-Pakistan skirmishes

In May 2025, Pakistan claimed PAF struck India’s S‑400 air defense at Adampur AFS using JF‑17 Block 3 fighters armed with PL-15E & CM‑400AKG missiles
India disputes this, stating its S‑400 systems remain fully operational

Turkey’s public commendation of Pakistan Air Force reflects more than diplomatic courtesy—it’s a symbol of deepening defence alignment. Amid high-stakes regional rivalries, the praise, upcoming joint ventures in fighter jets, drones, and pilot training mark a pivotal phase for Pakistan–Turkey strategic partnership. For the PAF, this fuels morale and underlines a growing role in global security architecture.