Pakistan to sell JF-17 Block-III fighter jets to Azerbaijan
Pakistan has officially signed an agreement to supply Azerbaijan with its advanced JF-17 Block-III fighter jets, a move set to bolster Azerbaijan's airpower. The Pakistan Army confirmed the deal on Thursday, emphasizing its significance for enhancing military cooperation between the two countries.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) relies
on a mix of Chinese JF-17 Thunder jets, French Mirage aircraft, and older
American F-16s. In recent years, it has also incorporated next-generation
Chinese J-10C fighters. The new deal, however, focuses on Pakistan’s indigenous
JF-17 Block-III model, which is described as a 4.5-generation, multi-role
fighter equipped with cutting-edge technology, including an Active
Electronically Scanned Array radar and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capabilities.
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In a statement by Pakistan's
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev
expressed his gratitude, emphasizing that the deal would strengthen the
military partnership and deepen the brotherly relationship between Pakistan and
Azerbaijan.
Though the specific terms of the
deal, including the number of jets and financial details, have not been
disclosed, the JF-17 Block-III’s capabilities are expected to significantly
enhance Azerbaijan’s national security. The jet is designed for a wide range of
combat operations, offering Azerbaijan a modernized aerial defense system.
ISPR also revealed that during
President Aliyev’s visit to Pakistan in July 2024, he was given a detailed
briefing on the fighter jet’s capabilities. Following this, Azerbaijan invited
a Pakistan Air Force contingent to participate in ADEX-2024, an international
defense exhibition in Baku. During the event, the JF-17 Block-III was featured
in both static displays and live demonstrations, including an air-to-air
refueling operation, showcasing its long-range operational abilities.
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President Aliyev attended the
exhibition, where he inspected the fighter jet and observed a live
demonstration of its aerial agility and maneuverability, further solidifying
his confidence in the agreement and the capabilities of Pakistan’s defense
technology.
Source: Express Tribune