Azerbaijan signs deal with Pakistan to acquire 40 JF-17 Block III fighter jets
In a major milestone for Pakistan’s defense
exports, Islamabad has signed a landmark agreement with Azerbaijan for the sale
of 40 JF-17 Block III fighter jets. The deal, estimated to be worth between
$1.6 billion and $4.2 billion, will significantly enhance Azerbaijan’s air
combat capabilities and deepen defense ties between the two countries.
The JF-17 Block III, jointly developed by
Pakistan and China, is the latest and most advanced variant of the JF-17
Thunder. It features state-of-the-art avionics, an Active Electronically
Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and compatibility with long-range air-to-air
missiles such as the PL-15 and PL-10. Azerbaijan is also expected to explore
integration of Turkey’s Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan missiles, highlighting growing
trilateral defense cooperation among Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.
The agreement is part of Azerbaijan’s broader
effort to modernize its air force and reduce dependence on legacy Soviet-era
platforms, amid evolving regional security challenges in the South Caucasus.
Read More Pakistan
signs deal to supply JF-17 Block-III fighter jets to Azerbaijan
The deal follows the JF-17 Block III’s strong
showing at the ADEX-2024 defense exhibition in Baku, where Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev praised the aircraft’s performance and Pakistan’s
technological support. Deliveries are expected to begin in phases, accompanied
by pilot training and maintenance support.
Strategic
and Economic Impact
This major export not only strengthens
Pakistan’s defense manufacturing sector but also reinforces its emerging role
as a competitive player in the global arms market, offering high-performance
yet cost-effective alternatives to Western and Russian systems.
It also signals a deepening strategic
partnership between Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan — a trilateral bloc
increasingly active in joint military exercises, defense development, and
regional diplomacy.
Read More Pakistan’s
Babur missile to strengthen Azerbaijan’s deterrence in the South Caucasus
Broader
Context
The JF-17 deal comes as Pakistan continues its
own defense modernization, recently securing a comprehensive package from China
that includes 40 J-35A stealth fighters, KJ-500 AWACS aircraft, HQ-19 missile
defense systems, and a $3.7 billion debt deferral arrangement.
Together, these developments underscore
Pakistan’s growing footprint in both military cooperation and global defense
trade — while positioning its defense industry for sustained growth and strategic
influence.
Source: Pro Pakistani