Azerbaijan has made a bold move to strengthen its air force by significantly expanding its order of the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. Originally set to receive 16 units, the country has now committed to acquiring 40 of these advanced multirole combat aircraft from Pakistan. This massive $4.6 billion defense deal marks the largest arms export contract in Pakistan’s history and positions Azerbaijan as the biggest international customer of the JF-17 program.
Why Azerbaijan Chose the JF-17 Thunder
The JF-17 Thunder, developed jointly by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, is gaining popularity among nations seeking modern, reliable, and cost-effective air combat solutions. Azerbaijan’s decision to opt for the JF-17 Thunder over more expensive Western alternatives is based on several key factors:
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Affordability: Compared to American and European fourth-generation fighters, the JF-17 offers high-end capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
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Performance: With top speeds over Mach 1.6, a combat radius of 1,352 km, and multirole capabilities, the JF-17 is well-suited for both air superiority and ground attack missions.
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Upgrades: The Block III variant features a cutting-edge AESA radar, improved avionics, and compatibility with advanced long-range missiles like the PL-15 and PL-10.
These features allow Azerbaijan to significantly modernize its air force while maintaining cost efficiency.
President Aliyev’s Personal Endorsement
President Ilham Aliyev played a central role in finalizing the deal. In late 2024, he personally inspected the JF-17 Block III aircraft at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. Impressed with the aircraft’s technology and potential, he publicly praised Pakistan’s defense industry and confirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to closer military cooperation with Islamabad.
This public endorsement not only demonstrated Azerbaijan’s confidence in the JF-17 program but also showcased the strategic value of Pakistan-Azerbaijan defense relations.
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Strengthening Trilateral Defense Ties
This deal is not just about aircraft—it reflects a growing trilateral defense partnership between Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Türkiye. There are already reports that Azerbaijan plans to integrate Turkish Gokdogan and Bozdogan missiles into its JF-17 fleet. Additionally, the aircraft will be equipped with ASELPOD targeting pods, currently used by Pakistan and Nigeria.
Such collaborations highlight how regional defense industries are aligning to create interoperable and self-reliant military capabilities, reducing dependence on Western defense suppliers.
Conclusion: A New Era for Azerbaijan’s Air Force
With this historic procurement, Azerbaijan is taking a major leap forward in its military modernization. The acquisition of 40 JF-17 Block III jets gives the Azerbaijan Air Force a powerful new edge in regional air defense and strategic operations.
More than just a sale, this deal marks the deepening of geopolitical alliances and technological partnerships between Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye. As deliveries begin, the world will be watching how this next-generation aircraft transforms Azerbaijan’s air combat capabilities.
