After the failure of Chinese weapons during the conflict with India in May, Pakistan has now turned to the US for help. It is eyeing American fighter jets, air defence systems, and missiles, as Pakistan, which relied on Chinese weapons and defence systems during Operation Sindoor, had to pay a heavy price.
Pakistan Air Force Chief Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu visited the US with this very intention. This is the first visit of a Pakistani Air Force Chief to the US in the last decade. A few weeks ago, Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir also visited the US. To avenge the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, India had targeted terror camps in Pakistan and occupied Jammu and Kashmir under Operation Sindoor on May 7. After this, the conflict between the two escalated, and a ceasefire was declared on May 10.
The Pakistan Air Force said in a statement on Wednesday, “Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu made an official visit to the US. This is the first visit by any serving Chief of the Air Force in more than a decade. This will promote bilateral defense cooperation and mutual interests.” Zaheer held several important meetings with top US military and political leadership, including General David Alvin and the Air Force Chief, during the visit.
According to sources, Pakistan wants to acquire US F-16 fighter jets and air defence systems to modernise its air force amid concerns over the reliability of Chinese weapons. Pakistan is also trying to acquire batteries of air-to-air AIM-7 Sparrow missiles and US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.
