The proposed sales deal for selling JF-17 Block-III fighter aircraft to Azerbaijan would mark a groundbreaking achievement in Pakistan’s defence ties. It would upgrade Azerbaijan’s airpower and further deepen military interdependence between the two nations.

Pakistan’s military media wing, ISPR, said the handover of JF-17 Block-III jets will enhance Azerbaijan’s combat readiness. Azeri President Ilham Aliyev, who recently visited Pakistan, has been informed of a higher level of combat capabilities and the all-around operational usage of these jets. The JF-17 Block-III is a 4.5-generation multi-role aircraft equipped with AESA radar and long-range beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, bringing advanced air combat capabilities.

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President Aliyev’s visit was decisive in the defence cooperation between the two states. It is said that after this visit, Azerbaijan asked Pakistan to send a PAF contingent to participate as an exhibitor in the largest defence exhibition ADEX-2024, hosted by Baku. The mighty JF-17 Block-III was displayed and demonstrated during the aerial demo and static display during the exhibition. It became the “Pride of Pakistan.”

Another component of its deployment was air-to-air refuelling from a PAF Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft to reach Baku with the mission. This could prove the fighter aircraft’s range and flexibility while operating, thus forming one of the most precious assets for Azerbaijan’s defence forces.

President Ilham Aliyev visited the static display of the JF-17 Block-III and later witnessed an aerial performance by the aircraft. The display proved to be an agility manoeuvrability characteristic of the fighter, thus indicating a high level of training and professionalism among the PAF pilots. The aerial performance deeply impressed the Azerbaijani leadership and further consolidated the two nations as partners.

In general, the JF-17 Thunder Block-III is versatile in that it can undertake nearly all kinds of combat missions-from air superiority to ground attack operations. AESA radar and long-range missile systems make this aircraft a significant addition to most air forces, promising modern airpower solutions and improving a little of the national security outlook.

President Aliyev praised Pakistan’s consistent support: “Procurement of JF-17 Block-III would greatly strengthen our positions. This contract opens a new page in the repeatedly deepening defence relationship between Azerbaijan and Pakistan while following the traditions of warm, friendly relations for many years. It will enter a new stage with this contract.”

Defence cooperation between the two countries should strengthen as the partnering country undertakes closer military training, technology exchange, joint exercises, etc. The deal in JF-17 Block-III is proof of Pakistan’s ever-emerging defence industry and an instance of Azerbaijan’s strategic decision to supplement its capabilities with the help of trusted partners like that country.

Selling JF-17 Block-III aircraft is a significant milestone in regional defence cooperation. The deal will increase mutual military cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan by promoting mutual security within the region.