Pakistan, Indonesia discuss defence cooperation
Pakistan and Indonesia have discussed defence cooperation amidst reports about Jakarta joining the list of nations interested in buying JF-17 Thunder jets. Lieutenant General Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin (Retd), Minister of Defence of Indonesia, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Monday at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi, according to a overnight statement by the army.
“The meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, evolving regional and global security dynamics, and exploration of avenues for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation,” it said. Both sides also underscored the importance of strengthening institutional linkages, training collaboration, and defence industrial cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia.
The Indonesian defence minister lauded professionalism of Pakistan 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. Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering strong and enduring defence relationship with Indonesia, based on shared values, mutual respect, and convergence of strategic interests.
Separately, the Indonesian defence minister called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. “The meeting reaffirmed the historic and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Indonesia and focused on strengthening bilateral Air Force cooperation, particularly in capacity building, training and technological collaboration,” according to a statement.
The Air Chief briefed the delegation on PAF’s modernisation drive, including infrastructure development, revamped training and induction of niche capabilities to enhance readiness for multi-domain operations. The Indonesian Defence Minister praised PAF’s professionalism, combat readiness and indigenisation achievements under the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park, and expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation in training, aviation and aerospace domains.
The meeting reflected growing momentum in Pakistan–Indonesia defence ties and a shared resolve to deepen cooperation through sustained engagement and dialogue. Separately, a leading Urdu-language paper The Jang reported that the Indonesian defence minister in his meeting with air chief also discussed defence agreement to buy 40 JF-17 Thunder. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Minister of Defence of Indonesia.
