Pakistan, which had long dreamed of challenging India with the support of Chinese air defence systems and missiles, suffered a major blow in May. Through precise operations, India not only destroyed several Pakistani air bases but also infiltrated Lahore and neutralised Pakistan’s air defence systems. Chinese missiles failed miserably in front of India’s superior air defence capabilities.
Following this embarrassment, Pakistan has grown increasingly anxious and has now shifted its focus from China to the United States. Recently, the Chief of Pakistan’s Air Force travelled to Washington.
Surge in U.S. Visits by Pakistani Officials
In recent days, several top Pakistani officials have visited the U.S. General Asim Munir was seen having lunch with U.S. President Donald Trump. Within a month of Munir’s trip, Pakistan Air Force Chief Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu has also made an official visit to the U.S. Notably, this is the first official visit by any Pakistani Air Force chief to the U.S. in over a decade.
Air Chief Lands in Washington
During this trip, Air Marshal Sidhu met with several high-ranking U.S. military officials, including U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin. The Pakistan Air Force released a statement on Wednesday saying, “Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu is on an official visit to the U.S. This high-level visit marks a milestone in the Pakistan-U.S. defence partnership.” The statement added that during his trip, Sidhu held several crucial meetings with top military and political leaders of the United States.
What’s Behind the Rush of Visits?
According to sources, following the failure of Chinese weapons systems, Pakistan is now attempting to strengthen its defence cooperation with the U.S. Media reports suggest that over the past decade, Pakistan’s growing closeness with China had displeased American leadership and military officials. Now, Pakistan’s top military leadership is trying to reduce its dependence on Chinese equipment and create a strategic balance between the U.S. and China.
What Does Pakistan Want?
After the destruction of its Chinese air defence systems during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan is now eyeing U.S. air defence technology. To modernise its air force, Pakistan hopes to acquire advanced American military hardware, including the F-16 Block 70 fighter jets. According to an India Today report, Pakistan also wants to add AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles and HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) batteries to its arsenal.
