Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), attended Exercise Indus Shield-2024 in Pakistan, a prominent regional military exercise showcasing the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) advanced warfighting capabilities across multiple domains. The event, held yesterday (25 October 2024), brought together Air Chiefs and senior military officials from various allied nations, underlining the importance of global collaboration among Air Forces.
Highlights of the Visit:
- Guard of Honour: Air Marshal Rajapaksa was welcomed with a guard of honour by a PAF contingent, underscoring the mutual respect and long-standing relations between the two forces.
- Strategic Discussions: During an official meeting with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff of the PAF, the two leaders engaged in discussions on regional security and operational cooperation. PAF’s Chief shared insights into Pakistan’s modernization plans aimed at adapting to next-generation warfare.
- Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation: Both Air Chiefs emphasized further collaboration, with a focus on training, maintenance, and capability building. Air Marshal Rajapaksa commended PAF’s strides in indigenization and professionalism, expressing a keen interest in strengthening ties to enhance operational competencies.
- Facility Tours: The SLAF Commander toured Pakistan’s National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre, and PAF Cyber Command. These visits included briefings on Pakistan’s operational capabilities, reflecting Pakistan’s progress in aerospace technology and cyber warfare preparedness.
This visit is expected to foster deeper cooperation between the SLAF and PAF, enhancing joint efforts in training, strategic development, and regional security initiatives.
Updates from Sri Lanka Air Force
Last modified: October 27, 2024