In a landmark development for Pakistan’s defense exports, Azerbaijan has signed a $4.6 billion deal to purchase 40 JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets—jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC). The agreement marks one of the largest arms deals in the region in recent years and significantly boosts Islamabad’s aerospace industry on the global stage.
The JF-17 Thunder, a cost-effective yet combat-proven multirole fighter, has gained popularity among emerging air forces seeking advanced capabilities without the constraints of Western defense partnerships. With this latest acquisition, Azerbaijan becomes the latest and largest foreign operator of the aircraft, significantly expanding its earlier order of 16 jets.
Cutting-Edge Technology at an Affordable Cost
All 40 aircraft will be of the advanced Block III variant, which features:
- AESA radar (KLJ-7A) with capabilities comparable to top-tier systems like the AN/APG-81 on the F-35
- PL-15 beyond-visual-range missiles, with engagement ranges over 300 km
- PL-10 short-range missiles, designed for high-agility dogfights
- Modern datalinks, avionics, and electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM)
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) modes for ISR and strike missions
This combination of long-range lethality, advanced situational awareness, and multirole flexibility positions the JF-17 Block III as a formidable 4.5-generation fighter at a fraction of the cost of Western alternatives.
A Shift in Regional Air Power
The Azerbaijani Air Force plans to replace its aging fleet of Russian MiG-29s with the new JF-17s, reflecting a strategic pivot away from traditional Russian suppliers. The integration of Chinese and Pakistani technology—supplemented by Turkish avionics and weapon systems—marks a significant diversification in Baku’s defense partnerships.
Notably, reports from late 2024 suggest Azerbaijan will outfit some of its JF-17s with Turkish-developed Gökdoğan (BVRAAM) and Bozdoğan (WVRAAM) missiles. Both systems, now in serial production by TÜBİTAK SAGE, highlight the growing Turkey-Azerbaijan military-industrial alliance. Turkish avionics may also be integrated, further deepening trilateral cooperation between Baku, Islamabad, and Ankara.
Operational Credibility and Combat Record
The JF-17’s growing reputation is underpinned by its combat performance. In recent Indo-Pakistani conflicts, a JF-17 Block III reportedly downed an Indian Air Force MiG-29UPG using the Chinese PL-15 missile—marking the system’s first confirmed kill in South Asia. In a separate engagement, Pakistani JF-17s allegedly neutralized an Indian S-400 battery using hypersonic CM-400AKG missiles, further showcasing the aircraft’s strike capabilities.
Newly released footage from Pakistan confirmed operational deployment of dual CM-400AKG missiles aboard JF-17s—validating long-suspected reports of their inclusion in Pakistan’s arsenal.
Strategic and Economic Implications
This major export deal is expected to catalyze a production surge at PAC in Kamra, Pakistan, creating hundreds of high-skilled aerospace jobs and necessitating upgrades to manufacturing and maintenance infrastructure. It also marks a rare success for Pakistan in a highly competitive global market, outpacing India’s Tejas program, which has yet to secure a comparable foreign contract.
India had actively marketed its HAL Tejas to Southeast Asian buyers, including the Royal Malaysian Air Force, but ultimately lost out to South Korea’s FA-50 Block 20—further emphasizing the rising competition in the light fighter segment.
Geopolitical Shifts in the Caucasus
With Azerbaijan inducting a Chinese-Pakistani-Turkish fighter platform, the traditional dominance of Russian arms in the Caucasus is being challenged. The move underscores a broader strategic realignment as Baku diversifies its defense suppliers in line with its geopolitical interests.
During a high-profile ceremony at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev personally inspected the first batch of JF-17 Block IIIs, signaling the aircraft’s central role in Azerbaijan’s future air power strategy.
A New Chapter in the Global Fighter Market
The JF-17 Block III’s rising export success highlights the emergence of a new generation of affordable, high-performance fighters tailored for nations seeking autonomy in their defense policies. From Southeast Asia and the Middle East to Africa and now the Caucasus, the aircraft is reshaping the global light fighter landscape—offering a credible alternative to traditional Western and Russian platforms.
As the global arms market becomes increasingly multipolar, the JF-17 Block III stands out not just as a platform, but as a symbol of growing South-South defense cooperation.
