Azerbaijan to enhance deterrence with Pakistan’s Babur missile
In 2024, a pivotal moment arrived in Azerbaijan’s
defense strategy as its military partnership with Pakistan grew significantly,
marking a turning point in bilateral relations, particularly in defense
cooperation. Positioned in a geopolitically sensitive region, Azerbaijan faces
constant challenges in fortifying its military capabilities. While substantial
progress has been made in building a strong defense force, experts agree that
continuous advancements are necessary. In this context, Pakistan’s military
technologies, including advanced missile systems, have become crucial to
Azerbaijan’s ongoing military modernization.
Historically, Pakistan was not among Azerbaijan's primary defense suppliers. However, 2024 saw a dramatic shift with Pakistan’s delivery of the JF-17 Thunder, a state-of-the-art multi-role combat aircraft co-developed with China. This deal elevated Pakistan's role as a major defense exporter to Azerbaijan and significantly strengthened Azerbaijan’s military edge in the South Caucasus, positioning it ahead of most neighboring countries, except for Russia. With its well-established defense industry, Pakistan is becoming an increasingly important player in enhancing Azerbaijan's military capabilities.
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delegation seeks Pakistan’s cooperation in training of air force
Raza Syed, editor of the London Post,
discussed the growing defense ties between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, emphasizing
shared strategic interests and historical connections. He pointed out that this
partnership is grounded in mutual support on key issues, such as Pakistan’s
backing of Azerbaijan during the Garabagh conflict.
“Azerbaijan and Pakistan’s defense cooperation
has grown significantly, covering areas such as arms sales, joint training,
technology transfers, and collaborative military exercises,” Syed explained.
“This partnership is driven by Azerbaijan’s need to modernize its military and
Pakistan’s desire to expand its defense exports and influence in the region.”
A central element of this evolving military alliance is Azerbaijan’s acquisition of the JF-17 Thunder, a cost-effective yet advanced aircraft that has substantially upgraded Azerbaijan’s air force. With cutting-edge avionics, beyond-visual-range missiles, and precision strike capabilities, the JF-17 provides Azerbaijan with a strategic advantage, especially against regional powers like Iran and Turkey. By replacing aging Soviet-era aircraft, Azerbaijan has significantly enhanced its ability to engage with modern warfare technologies, reinforcing its regional deterrence.
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signs deal to supply JF-17 Block-III fighter jets to Azerbaijan
“The JF-17 is a game changer for Azerbaijan,”
Syed observed. “It has greatly enhanced Azerbaijan’s offensive and defensive
capabilities, improving its air defense operations and enabling greater
interoperability with modern warfare systems.”
Beyond aircraft, Pakistan has bolstered
Azerbaijan’s military readiness through extensive pilot training programs. The
Pakistan Air Force, with its extensive combat experience, has provided Azerbaijani
pilots with valuable insights into modern combat tactics, avionics, and
operational strategies.
“Through these collaborations, Azerbaijani
pilots have become better equipped to operate advanced platforms like the
JF-17, increasing Azerbaijan’s overall combat readiness,” Syed added. “This
partnership also enhances regional security by fostering knowledge exchange and
interoperability between the two air forces.”
In addition to the JF-17, Pakistan offers a variety of advanced defense systems that further enhance Azerbaijan’s military capabilities. These include the Al-Khalid main battle tank, renowned for its superior fire control systems and mobility, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like the Burraq and Shahpar, which significantly boost Azerbaijan’s surveillance and precision strike capabilities. Furthermore, Pakistan’s missile systems, such as the Babur cruise missile and Nasr short-range ballistic missile, could play a crucial role in strengthening Azerbaijan’s strategic deterrence.
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seeks to enhance cooperation with Azerbaijan in defense and aviation sectors
“Joint ventures in defense production and
technology sharing between Azerbaijan and Pakistan could further deepen this
relationship,” Syed suggested, “providing Azerbaijan with cutting-edge military
solutions tailored to its specific needs.”
The growing military partnership between
Azerbaijan and Pakistan is not just a bilateral alliance; it is reshaping the
balance of power in the region. As Azerbaijan continues to modernize its
military, Pakistan’s support will play a vital role in solidifying Azerbaijan’s
position as a significant military power. In turn, Pakistan’s role as a
reliable defense partner will enhance its regional influence.
In conclusion, the JF-17 acquisition and the training programs for Azerbaijani pilots mark only the beginning of a broader defense collaboration between the two nations. As Azerbaijan and Pakistan work to strengthen their military ties, the future of this partnership promises to enhance Azerbaijan’s military capabilities and reinforce Pakistan’s position as a trusted partner in the South Caucasus. This growing relationship will not only transform Azerbaijan’s defense landscape but also have a lasting impact on regional security dynamics.
Source: Azer News