A high-level delegation led by Deputy Defense Minister of the Russian Federation, Colonel General Aleksandr V. Fomin, called on Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, at Air Headquarters (AHQ), Islamabad. The meeting focused on bolstering military cooperation and industrial collaboration between the two sides while exploring new avenues to fortify existing ties through joint military exercises and technical support for PAF equipment, emphasizing a commitment to regional security and stability.

During the meeting, CAS highlighted contours of PAF's journey of transforming into a Next Generation Air Force through induction of state-of-the-art weapon systems and niche technologies. He also reaffirmed the PAF's commitment to achieving self-reliance in defense capabilities through a comprehensive indigenization strategy. The Air Chief expressed a deep desire to strengthen military ties with Russia, focusing on collaborative training programs, joint military drills and industrial collaboration.
Colonel General Aleksandr V. Fomin commended the recent impressive advancements in PAF under the current leadership. The Russian Deputy Defense Minister reiterated his resolve to play his role in further consolidating the existing collaborative defense partnership with Pakistan through military-to-military cooperation and technical support for PAF equipment.
The meeting between CAS and the Deputy Defense Minister of the Russian Federation is a significant milestone in Pakistan-Russia defense relations wherein both nations are poised to deepen their military ties through industrial collaboration, joint military exercises, and comprehensive support mechanisms.