ISLAMABAD: Azerbaijan has officially inducted the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex/Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (PAC/CAC) JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft into its air force, the office of the President of Azerbaijan confirmed.
JF-17s Debut During Victory Day Parade
During the Victory Day parade on November 8, four single-seat and one twin-seat JF-17s performed a flypast over Baku. The lead twin-seat aircraft’s backseat was occupied by Colonel Novruz Tahirov of the Azerbaijan Air Force and Air Defence Force, identified through his uniform patches. The aircraft, however, bore no visible national markings.
Pakistan-Azerbaijan Defense Deal Worth $4.6 Billion
Earlier this year, Pakistan finalized an agreement to supply 40 JF-17 Thunder jets to Azerbaijan, up from the initially planned 16. Valued at $4.6 billion, the deal represents Pakistan’s largest-ever defense export and a major milestone for the jointly developed fighter jet program.
Strategic Impact on Regional Balance
Defense analysts believe the acquisition will significantly enhance Azerbaijan’s aerial combat capability and could alter the military balance in the South Caucasus, raising concerns in neighboring Armenia.
JF-17 Gains Global Recognition
Pakistan and China have jointly developed the JF-17 Thunder in Pakistan. The fighter jets continue to gain international attraction being cost-effective, most modern, and multirole fighter jets.
