Azerbaijan has made a significant enhancement to its military capabilities by expanding its order of JF-17 Thunder multi-role jets from Pakistan. Initially set at 16 aircraft, the order has now nearly tripled to a total of 40 jets. This expansion is part of a broader effort to modernize Baku’s airborne combat fleet in response to evolving regional threats and persistent tensions with Armenia. The total value of this agreement has surged to approximately $4.6 billion, solidifying Azerbaijan’s position as the largest export customer for Pakistan’s JF-17 aircraft.
This decision follows a 2024 contract worth $1.6 billion focused on modernizing Azerbaijan’s air combat capabilities. The updated package will consist of the latest Block III variant of the JF-17, known for its advanced radars and avionics systems. Deliveries of the first batch of jets commenced in September 2024, with the initial series achieving operational readiness just a month later.
The JF-17 Thunder was conceived in the late 1990s as a collaborative defense initiative between Pakistan and China. The objective was to develop a cost-effective fourth-generation fighter jet tailored for the Pakistani Air Force. The design and assembly operations are performed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. Since its introduction, the JF-17 has undergone multiple upgrades to enhance its performance.
The aircraft itself measures 14 meters in length and has a wingspan of 9 meters, with an empty weight of approximately 7,900 kilograms. It is powered by a Klimov RD-93 engine, allowing it to achieve a top speed of Mach 1.6 and a range of about 1,880 nautical miles. The aircraft is capable of operating at altitudes up to 16,900 meters.
In terms of armaments, the JF-17 is versatile, equipped with a 23-millimeter cannon, air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, as well as both guided and unguided bombs. It also features advanced electronic countermeasures, enhancing its survivability in combat scenarios.
The recent developments underscore not only Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening its defense infrastructure but also Pakistan’s growing role in the global arms market, particularly in supplying advanced fighter jets.
