In a significant boost to bilateral military ties, Major General Andrei Yulianovich Lukyanovich, Commander of the Air Force & Air Defence of Belarus, led a high-level defence delegation to Air Headquarters Islamabad, where the two countries reaffirmed their strong defence partnership and charted out a road-map for deeper cooperation in the field of air power.
Upon arrival, the Belarusian commander was welcomed with full military honours as a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) presented a Guard of Honour, setting the tone for a visit steeped in mutual respect and strategic purpose.
During the high-level meeting, a wide array of mutual interests related to air power and military cooperation was thoroughly discussed. The discussions underscored a joint commitment to long-standing defence ties, with both sides agreeing to sustain close and continuous engagement between their respective Air Forces.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of Pakistan highlighted the robust bilateral military relationship and reiterated that the PAF is fully committed to supporting the Belarus Air Force in basic to tactical-level training of pilots and technical staff. He emphasised Pakistan’s readiness to assist in capacity-building, and to enhance cooperation in training, technological development, and operational capability.
A major highlight of the talks was a mutual consensus on enhancing Air Force-to-Air Force cooperation through:
Structured high-level exchange programmes
Capacity-building initiatives
Shared expertise in wartime operations
Collaborative professional development efforts
General Lukyanovich expressed his deep gratitude for the hospitality extended to him and acknowledged the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Belarus. He praised the Pakistan Air Force’s professionalism, particularly its combat-tested doctrines and effectiveness in complex operational environments, stating Belarus is eager to learn from PAF’s extensive operational experience.
In a move that signals a new era in bilateral military cooperation, the Belarusian Air Force Commander shared a strong desire for formal and structured training programs to be conducted by the PAF for Belarusian personnel. He extended an official invitation to the Chief of the Air Staff of PAF to visit Belarus and attend upcoming major defence-related events, aimed at further deepening strategic dialogue and exploring new dimensions of military partnership.
Both sides agreed to work on modalities of the visit and expressed a shared vision for an expanded partnership that includes joint training, shared technology, and strategic defence collaboration.
This visit by Major General Lukyanovich marks more than just diplomatic courtesy—it reflects the growing strategic alignment between Islamabad and Minsk, and a mutual resolve to elevate Air Force cooperation into a more structured, impactful, and enduring defence partnership.
