A high-level Italian delegation, including Ambassador H.E. Marlina Armellin and Leonardo S.p.A. Chairman Mr. Stefano Pontecorvo, visited Air Headquarters Islamabad on March 19,2024. They met with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff for the Pakistan Air Force. Leonardo is a global industrial group that builds technological capabilities in Aerospace, Defence & Security and has had a deep military tie with Pakistan. The firm opened its office in Pakistan in 2019
The discussions focused on ways to strengthen defence cooperation between Italy and Pakistan. Both sides likely exchanged views on potential areas of collaboration and opportunities for future engagement.
They also agreed to explore avenues for further expanding industrial collaboration in the defence sector, particularly in the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park.
Chief of the Air Staff highlighted the significance of the robust diplomatic & defence ties between both the nations and reiterated his resolve to further deepen the enduring friendship that binds Pakistan and Italy together. He emphasized on bolstering the existing partnership at NASTP across all domains, with a specific focus on the development of Manned and Unmanned Aerial Systems. The Air Chief also hailed the extraordinary contributions of the global industrial group Leonardo S.p.A. in advancing technological capabilities in the fields of Aerospace, Defence and Security. He reiterated his resolve to further expand the existing collaboration in areas related to emerging advancements and niche technologies in order to accrue maximum economic, technological and scientific dividends for Pakistan.
The Italian Ambassador expressed her admiration for the professionalism of PAF personnel and praised the remarkable progress made by the Pakistan Air Force through indigenization. She also pledged to play her role in consolidating the existing industrial collaboration between Italy and Pakistan. Chairman of Leonardo S.p.A. Italy, highlighted the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on B1B2 certification between both countries and acknowledged that the MoU would significantly contribute to propelling the existing defence partnership to new heights.
According to the PAF release, the meeting between the Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force and the Italian delegation signifies a resolute commitment from both nations to reinforce their partnership through nurturing collaboration in the military & industrial domains and promoting robust relations between their respective Air Forces
Italy is key player in selling arms to Pakistan
Italy has become a key player in Pakistan’s military modernistion efforts, according to a recent report by the Italian government. The report revealed a significant jump in authorized arms exports to Pakistan in 2018, with sales quadrupling to €682.91 million (US$762 million) compared to the previous year.
This surge in sales positions Pakistan as Italy’s second-largest arms recipient, following only Qatar. While the exact details of the exported equipment remain undisclosed, the report indicates a broad range of weaponry, including:
Firearms and ammunition
Explosives and missiles
Land vehicles and aircraft
Electronic warfare systems
Military training equipment
A Look Back: AW139 Helicopters and Surplus Equipment
Prior to 2018, Pakistan’s primary Italian defense purchases focused on Leonardo AW139 helicopters for search and rescue operations, along with surplus M109 self-propelled artillery and other armored vehicles. However, the substantial increase in 2018 suggests potential new defense programs.
Possible Explanations for the Sales Increase
Experts point to two possible reasons for the dramatic rise in Italian arms exports to Pakistan:
New Lead-in Fighter Trainer (LIFT) Program: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has expressed a need for a new LIFT aircraft, with the Leonardo M-346 being a strong contender. The M-346 fulfills the PAF’s requirements for an air interdiction radar and datalink training system, potentially aligning with the recent sales figures.
Modernization of Air Defense Systems: Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production might have ordered low-level radars to replace aging equipment. A potential candidate for this role could be Leonardo’s KRONOS LAND radar system.