Islamabad, June 8 - In a landmark development for Pakistan’s defense industry, Azerbaijan has reportedly signed a $4.6 billion deal to acquire 40 JF-17 Thunder Block III multirole fighter jets, a collaborative product of Pakistan and China. This agreement, highlighted by various international media outlets, marks a significant milestone in the defense cooperation between Baku and Islamabad, positioning Azerbaijan as one of the largest export customers for the JF-17 series. The deal, which expands on an earlier contract, underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two nations and reflects the increasing global appeal of the cost-effective, advanced fighter jet co-developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAC).
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The JF-17 Thunder, also known as the FC-1 Xiaolong in China, is a lightweight, single-engine, multirole combat aircraft designed to meet the needs of modern air forces while remaining affordable compared to Western alternatives like the F-16 or Eurofighter Typhoon. The Block III variant, the latest iteration, incorporates significant upgrades, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, enhanced avionics, and improved electronic warfare capabilities. It is equipped to carry a diverse array of weaponry, such as the PL-15 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, precision-guided munitions, and anti-ship missiles, making it versatile for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and maritime strike missions. Its design emphasizes agility, a reduced radar cross-section, and a service ceiling of 50,000 feet, with a top speed approaching 1,200 mph. These attributes make the JF-17 Block III a formidable asset for nations seeking to modernize their air forces without the high costs associated with Western or Russian systems.
Azerbaijan’s decision to procure 40 JF-17 Block III fighters builds on an initial agreement signed in February 2024, valued at $1.6 billion, for an unspecified number of jets, alongside training and armaments. The first batch was presented to President Ilham Aliyev at Heydar Aliyev International Airport on September 25, 2024, during the Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2024, where the aircraft’s capabilities were showcased through aerial demonstrations and briefings on its tactical and technical specifications. This acquisition aligns with Azerbaijan’s broader strategy to bolster its military capabilities, particularly in the context of regional tensions in the South Caucasus. The country has historically relied on aging Soviet-era aircraft, such as the MiG-29 and Su-25, for its air force. The JF-17 Block III offers a substantial leap in technology and firepower, providing Azerbaijan with a modern, flexible platform to enhance its deterrence and combat effectiveness.
For Pakistan, this deal represents a historic breakthrough, potentially its largest-ever fighter export, and a testament to the maturing capabilities of its aerospace sector. The collaboration with China has positioned the JF-17 as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s defense exports, appealing to nations seeking alternatives to traditional suppliers like Russia, the United States, or European manufacturers. Azerbaijan joins Myanmar and Nigeria as an operator of the JF-17, with interest also reported from countries like Iraq and Argentina. The inclusion of advanced weaponry of Pakistani, Chinese, and potentially Turkish origin further enhances the jet’s appeal, offering flexibility and compatibility with diverse systems. The $4.6 billion agreement, reportedly valued at approximately RM20.24 billion, has not been officially confirmed by the governments of Azerbaijan, Pakistan, or China, but its scale signals a deepening of defense ties and a shift in regional dynamics. This procurement not only strengthens Azerbaijan’s air force but also cements the JF-17 Thunder’s reputation as a reliable, battle-tested platform, drawing on its operational history with the Pakistan Air Force in conflicts and multinational exercises. As deliveries progress, the deal is poised to reshape aerial capabilities in the Caucasus and elevate Pakistan’s standing in the global arms market.