PAF to Provide Training to South African Air Force

The South African Air Force (SAAF) has officially requested the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to help rebuild and modernize its training programs and maintain its C-130 Hercules fleet. The landmark announcement was made during a high-level meeting between SAAF Chief, Lt Gen Wiseman Simo Mbambo, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu in Islamabad

• Visit: Lt Gen Mbambo visited Pakistan’s Air Headquarters (Islamabad) and Joint Staff HQ (Rawalpindi). Key requests:

• Support in redesigning the academy-level training

• Observer slots in PAF operational exercises

• Technical collaboration on maintaining SAAF’s C-130 fleet

• PAF response: Committed to tailored capacity building and engineering support

• Shared values: Discussions emphasized a foundation of friendship and mutual strategic goals 

• Operational readiness: SAAF praised PAF’s multi-domain warfare capacity and deterrence capabilities 

• Institutional collaboration: Both sides agreed to formalize cooperation on training regimens and technical exchange

Training overhaul:
SAAF seeks PAF’s expertise to modernize its academy curriculum, covering basic, advanced, and tactical phases

Operational exchange:
SAAF officers will observe PAF’s key exercises, such as Indus Shield, gaining exposure to multinational combat training.

Technical support:
Planned maintenance of SAAF’s C-130 fleet in Pakistan highlights the PAF’s strong engineering capabilities

• Defense diplomacy: Strengthens bonds between Pakistan and South Africa and expands PAF's international outreach.

• Mission readiness: Both countries aim to enhance training efficacy and technical competencies through this partnership.

• Multinational integration: Integration into broader security exercises like Exercise Indus Shield raises SAAF’s interoperability

PAF’s training institutions, such as PAF Academy Asghar Khan (officer training) and Korangi Creek Airmen Academy (non-officer training), have long hosted international officers and instructors. The PAF’s experience from multinational exercises and training missions positions it well to assist partner air forces

• Cost-effective maintenance: PAF’s repair and overhaul facilities offer an economical alternative for SAAF’s logistical needs.

• Advanced training infrastructure: Facilities like flying instructor schools and air warfare centres can be adapted for SAAF modernization.

• Expertise in multi-domain warfare: Coordination in air, cyber, and ISR domains supports a full-spectrum training model.

• Formal agreements on training curriculum design and observer programs

• Scheduling of PAF exercises, including invitations for SAAF delegation visits

• Technical inspections of South African C-130 aircraft in Pakistan

• Joint exercises or workshops to enhance operational coordination and interoperability

Pakistan and South Africa are taking strategic strides toward deepening air force ties. With PAF’s offer to revamp training curricula, include SAAF officers in top-tier exercises, and support C-130 fleet maintenance, both nations benefit from elevated interoperability and strengthened defense ties. As next steps unfold, this collaboration may shape the region’s aerial readiness and set a model for international military cooperation.