By Azerbaijan has officially added JF-17 Block III fighter jets to its air force fleet, purchased from Pakistan in a deal reportedly worth $1.6 billion. The aircraft were formally presented to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev during a ceremony at Heydar Aliyev International Airport on Wednesday. The event, attended by Defence Minister Zakir Hasanov, coincided with the Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition 2024 in Baku.
At the ceremony, Air Vice Marshal Hakim Raza, Chairman of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Board, provided a detailed briefing on the jet’s advanced tactical and technical features, operational capabilities, and performance metrics. President Aliyev was also photographed inside a JF-17C Block III fighter jet and witnessed an aerial display showcasing the jet’s agility and maneuverability.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that a contract for the sale of JF-17 Block III fighter jets to Azerbaijan was recently signed. Azerbaijan becomes the third country, after Myanmar and Nigeria, to acquire these multirole aircraft from Pakistan. Reports suggest that the deal, which includes an unspecified number of jets, weaponry, and training, was finalized earlier this year.
During a July visit to Islamabad, President Aliyev praised the deal, noting it would strengthen military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan and deepen defense ties. Developed jointly by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, the JF-17 Block III features cutting-edge avionics, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar and long-range missile capabilities.
There is speculation that Iraq may also be considering a similar purchase of JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan.
