Latest news with #SimoMbambo
Business Recorder
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Training and maintenance: South African Air Force seeks assistance from PAF
ISLAMABAD: The South African Air Force has sought assistance from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in overhauling its training regime and maintaining its C-130 aircraft fleet aiming at strengthening bilateral military cooperation. The proposal was made during a high-level meeting between Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo, Chief of the South African Air Force, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. According to the ISPR, Lt Gen Mbambo was presented with a Guard of Honour on arrival, by a smartly turned-out contingent of the PAF, symbolising the warm diplomatic and defence ties between the two countries. During the meeting, the two Air Chiefs held wide-ranging discussions on enhancing cooperation in aviation training, operational readiness, and technical collaboration. Air Chief Marshal Sidhu highlighted the shared values and mutual aspirations that form the basis of the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and South Africa. He reaffirmed PAF's commitment to supporting the South African Air Force through tailored training programs and comprehensive capacity-building initiatives. Lt Gen Mbambo praised the PAF's robust operational preparedness, its multi-domain warfare capabilities, and its success in maintaining a credible deterrence posture. Recognising Pakistan's proven expertise in aviation training and defence production, the South African Air Force Chief expressed strong interest in institutionalising the relationship between the two air forces. A key focus of the discussions was the revamping of the South African Air Force's training framework. Lt Gen Mbambo formally requested PAF's support in designing a modern, academy-level training system to better equip future South African airmen. He also conveyed his desire for SAAF officers to participate as observers in PAF's major operational exercises, aiming to benefit from Pakistan's combat training experience. Acknowledging the cost-effective and technically proficient capabilities of PAF's engineering infrastructure, the visiting dignitary also expressed the intent to explore maintenance and inspection of South Africa's C-130 transport aircraft fleet in Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
South African Air Force chief visits Pakistan, discusses strengthening ties with PAF
Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo, Chief of the South African Air Force, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. PHOTO: ISPR Listen to article South African Air Force (SAAF) Chief Lt General Wiseman Simo Mbambo paid an official visit to Pakistan, where he met with Chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad, according to the military's media wing. Upon his arrival, the visiting dignitary was welcomed with a formal Guard of Honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. During the meeting, the PAF chief highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between Pakistan and South Africa, emphasising the shared values and aspirations that underpin the two nations' deep-rooted friendship. He reiterated PAF's commitment to strengthening the aerial combat capabilities of the South African Air Force through tailored training and capacity-building initiatives, according to the ISPR. Lt General Mbambo lauded the operational readiness of the PAF, commending its multi-domain warfare capabilities and its success in maintaining a credible deterrence posture. He acknowledged the high standards maintained by the PAF and expressed his admiration for its technical excellence, it added. A key focus of the discussions was the revamping of the SAAF's training regime. Lt General Mbambo expressed his desire for PAF's support in developing a modern and comprehensive training framework, beginning at the academy level. He further requested the participation of SAAF officers as observers in PAF's major operational exercises to enhance learning and foster collaboration, as per the ISPR report. In addition, the SAAF chief spoke about the possibility of increasing technical collaboration between the two air forces, particularly in the area of aircraft maintenance. Recognising the cost-effective maintenance capabilities and technical excellence of PAF's engineering infrastructure, Lt General Mbambo conveyed the intent of the SAAF to undertake the inspection and maintenance of its C-130 fleet in Pakistan. The discussions highlighted a mutual desire to institutionalise and further strengthen the formal relationship between the PAF and the SAAF. This meeting is expected to pave the way for deeper cooperation between the two forces, ensuring enhanced operational capabilities and shared military expertise.
