IRIA News

Azerbaijan has signed a $1.6 billion contract with Pakistan to purchase JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter aircraft. Developed by Pakistan’s largest aerospace manufacturer, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), the JF-17 jet is deemed the most suitable option for Baku within its budget constraints.

The $1.6 billion contract with Azerbaijan marks one of the biggest-ever sales for Pakistan’s defense industry. Pakistan is working with its close allies and defense partners, China and Turkey, to boost its defense production capabilities. Under the historic deal, Pakistan will provide JF-17C Block-III jets as well as training and ammunition to Azerbaijan.

The deal includes JF-17C Block-III fighters plus advanced air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons, logistical support as well as the training of Azerbaijani military personnel who will operate the aircraft. The number of jets has not been specified, however, reports suggest that Baku would initially receive eight JF-17C Block-III aircraft from Pakistan.

The JF-17s are set to replace Azerbaijan’s fleet of aging MiG-29 fighters, currently serving as the mainstay of the Azerbaijani Air Force’s air-to-air capabilities. The jets would be reportedly equipped with guided weaponry from Pakistan, China, and Turkiye.

The development was first reported by Azeri media. When IRIA contacted the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) spokesperson for confirmation on the reported deal, the department said that details would be made public once the first aircraft was officially handed over to Baku in mid-2024. This response confirmed the agreement, suggesting that official confirmation from both sides is pending the completion of the first official handover ceremony of JF-17 Block III.

JF-17 Thunder development

Pakistan began developing its indigenous fighter jet in 2003 as part of the Pakistan Air Force’s modernization program. JF-17 Thunder was developed through collaboration between Pakistan’s largest defense and aerospace firm Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) of China. The first JF-17 Thunder aircraft was handed over to Pakistan Air Force in November 2009.

The aircraft has performed in air shows in China, Dubai, England, France, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. It was also a main contribution from Pakistan during the Turkish Centennial Celebrations in 2023. The aircraft has also participated in the Shaheen exercises between Pakistan and China, Anatolian Eagle Turkey, Spears of Victory KS, and the Bright Star exercise in Egypt.

Apart from the Pakistan Air Force, the JF-17 Thunder jet is used by Myanmar and Nigeria. Several countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka have also shown interest in acquiring the fighter jet.

According to the maker, the fighter jet possesses excellent air-to-air and air-to-surface combat capabilities. It is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, integrated electronic warfare (EW) and a self-protection suite, computerized flight controls, and the capability to employ the latest weapons, providing a decisive advantage to JF-17 over adversaries of the same class.

In December 2020, PAC announced the production of JF-17 Thunder Block III, which Baku would purchase. The dual-seat JF-17 Block III aircraft are considered 4.5 generation jets due to their multirole fighter capabilities.

JF-17 Specifications

• The JF-17 Thunder features a length of approximately 47 feet and a wingspan of about 31 feet.
• Powered by a single RD-93 turbofan engine, it can achieve a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 and has a combat radius exceeding 1,350 kilometers.
• The jet has a maximum takeoff weight of 13500 kilograms and a service ceiling of 55,500 feet.

The all-weather, multi-role light combat fighter has remarkably high combat maneuverability at medium and low altitudes. With effective firepower, agility, and combat survivability, the aircraft is likely to emerge as a potent platform for any air force. The aircraft is armed with a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, including beyond-visual-range (BVR) capabilities, making it a formidable asset in aerial combat and ground attack missions.