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Pakistan, South Africa Vow to Deepen Military Cooperation
SAAF Chief Lt Gen Mbambo visits Pakistan, praises military’s professionalism. PAF, SAAF agree to expand training, tech, and strategic cooperation. C-130 fleet maintenance in Pakistan on the cards.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-03
Pakistan, South Africa Vow to Deepen Military Cooperation

In a significant step toward enhancing bilateral military cooperation, Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF), Lt Gen Wiseman Simo Mbambo, concluded a high-profile visit to Pakistan, holding key meetings with top military officials and reaffirming mutual commitment to regional peace and strategic cooperation.

During a meeting with Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, both sides engaged in wide-ranging discussions focused on mutual interests and practical ways to deepen military ties. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the dialogue covered the evolving regional security environment, geopolitical dynamics, and the expansion of cooperation between the two militaries.

General Mirza highlighted Pakistan’s significant role in promoting peace and stability across the region, while Lt Gen Mbambo commended the professionalism and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces in combating terrorism. Upon his arrival at the Joint Staff Headquarters, the SAAF chief was presented with a guard of honour by a tri-services contingent.

Meeting with PAF Leadership

A day earlier, Lt Gen Mbambo met with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. The two dignitaries emphasized shared values and aspirations that underpin the strong relationship between the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the SAAF.

The PAF chief reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to assist in enhancing SAAF’s aerial combat proficiency through tailored training and capacity-building efforts. Discussions also focused on developing a modern training framework starting at the academy level, with South Africa expressing interest in PAF support for training reform.

Lt Gen Mbambo lauded PAF’s operational readiness and multi-domain warfare capabilities, noting Pakistan’s credible deterrence posture and technical expertise in aerospace engineering. He expressed a strong desire for SAAF officers to participate in PAF’s major operational exercises as observers.

Importantly, the SAAF chief conveyed interest in utilizing Pakistan’s engineering infrastructure for the inspection and maintenance of South Africa’s C-130 aircraft fleet, recognizing PAF’s cost-effective and technically proficient capabilities in this area.

The visit signals a promising future of enhanced cooperation, capacity sharing, and strategic alignment between the two air forces, contributing to broader military diplomacy and mutual development.
Tagged:

PAF

MilitaryDiplomacy

SAAF

PakistanSouthAfrica
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