Azerbaijan becomes third country to get JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan under $1.6 billion deal: Report

JF-17 Block III, developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group

Azerbaijan has become the third country after Nigeria, Myanmar to purchase multi-role JF-17 Block III fighter jets from Pakistan in a 1.6 billion deal,according to media reports. Reports in Azerbaijan media have claimed the aircraft were acquired under a $1.6 billion deal for an unspecified number of jets, armament, and training.

“The jets have already been integrated into the arsenal of Azerbaijan’s Air Force,” Azerbaijan’s presidency said in a statement after President Ilham Aliyev was formally presented with the aircraft at the Heydar Aliyev International Air­port on Wednesday. At the ceremony, which took place on the margins of Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibi­tion 2024 in Baku, President Aliyev was briefed about the jet’s cutting-edge tactical and technical specifications, operational guidelines, and key performance indicators.

President Aliyev was photographed sitting inside a JF-17C Block III fighter jet. Besides inspecting the aircraft, he also witnessed an aerial demonstration, which showcased the agility and manoeuvrability of the fighter jet.

During his visit to Islamabad in July, Aliyev was “briefed on the combat capabilities and versatile employment options” of the fighter aircraft, said the military's media cell -- Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). President Aliyev had hailed the deal, asserting it would “go a long way in consolidating the existing military cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, fostering closer defence collaboration”, the report said.

JF-17 Block III, developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, boasts advanced avionics, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar and long-range missile capabilities. The JF-17C (Block-III) is a single-engine multirole combat aircraft known for its air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, as well as its high maneuverability at medium and low altitudes.

*With Agency Inputs