Pakistan Air Force Chief Visits US Amid Concerns Over Chinese Equipment

Following Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir, the country’s Chief of the Air Staff, Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, paid an official visit to the United States, indicating the warming ties between the two nations. Sidhu’s purpose was to further defence cooperation as a follow-up to Munir’s visit.

This is the first US trip by a serving Pakistan Air Force (PAF) chief in over a decade, reflecting the re-hyphenisation of the US’s outlook towards India and Pakistan.

The PAF stated that the visit is a strategic milestone in the Pak-US defence partnership, addressing key regional and global security issues and building institutional ties.

Sidhu had important meetings with top US military and political leaders, including the US Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs and Air Force Chief of Staff.

The two sides agreed to enhance bilateral military cooperation, mutual affairs, joint training, and technology exchange.

Pakistan is reportedly interested in acquiring advanced US platforms such as F-16 Block 70 fighter jets and air defence systems, diversifying away from Chinese suppliers.

China has been silent on the performance of its weapons to Pakistan during recent military confrontations with India. There are concerns about the reliability of Chinese military equipment.

India should be concerned about Pakistan’s ties with both China and the US. The changing dynamic in the region may impact India’s strategic interests.

Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton expressed concerns about China’s influence on Pakistan and emphasized the need for peace between India and Pakistan.