Indonesia has expressed its desire to further expand defence ties with Pakistan across multiple domains, with discussions also covering cooperation related to the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft.
As per the details, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Monday met with Indonesian Defence Minister Lieutenant General (r) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
“The meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, evolving regional and global security dynamics, and exploration of avenues for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported.
Both sides highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional linkages, training collaboration and defence industrial cooperation between the two countries.
“The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He also expressed Indonesia’s desire to further expand defence ties with Pakistan across multiple domains,” the ISPR statement said.
Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to creating a strong and enduring defence relationship with Indonesia, based on shared values, mutual respect, and convergence of strategic interests, the ISPR noted.
Following the meeting, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu also met with an Indonesian defence delegation headed by the defense minister at Air Headquarters in Islamabad, Reuters reported.
A central part of the air force-level discussions, Reuters quoted sources as saying, involved the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft and possible technical collaboration.
According to the report, discussions on the JF-17 were at an advanced stage and involved more than 40 aircraft.
One source was quoted as saying that Indonesia also showed interest in Pakistan’s Shahpar drones.
Another security source with knowledge of the talks said Pakistan was also discussing air defence systems and training programmes for Indonesian air force personnel, including engineering staff.
The air chief briefed the delegation on Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) ongoing modernisation efforts, covering infrastructure development, revamped training programmes and induction of capabilities to enhance readiness for multi-domain operations.