Azerbaijani President in JF-17
Recent news from some foreign media sources, such as Defence Arabic and Defense News Today, shows that Azerbaijan is about to significantly expand its air force by adding more JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets, a weapon jointly produced by Pakistan and China.
Azerbaijan originally ordered 16 new-generation multirole planes; however, unofficial sources now suggest the order will be raised to 40 aircraft, with an additional 24 fighters added to the original order. This, if true, would significantly boost the air capability of Azerbaijan as well as strengthen its defense alliance with Pakistan, one of the main arms suppliers, along with Turkey, Russia, and Israel.
The $4.2 billion deal publicly disclosed in several social media updates on sites such as X is meant to enhance Azerbaijan’s military capabilities in the unstable South Caucasus region, where geopolitical competition and longstanding conflicts require strong defense mechanisms.
While formal confirmation from Baku has yet to come, the possible expansion is reflective of Azerbaijan’s interest in developing its air force amid a multidimensional regional security environment.
The first purchase agreement for 16 JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets was signed in February 2024, with Azerbaijan affirming their inclusion in the country’s air force by October 2024. The $1.6 billion agreement, as reported by The Defense Post, is a notable achievement in the country’s drive to strengthen its military and, even more specifically, its air forces.
JF-17 vs MiG-29
The JF-17 planes are not meant to substitute for a current fleet but to enhance the operational capacity of Azerbaijan’s air force, which has been defined in terms of aging Soviet-era aircraft such as the MiG-29 and Su-25.
Although the older aircraft are still operational, they do have substantial shortfalls in advanced avionics, armament, and multirole flexibility compared with the JF-17 Block III. The acquisition of these jets by Azerbaijan is a strategic move to further its deterrence and military capabilities, especially in light of the current standoff with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh.
The 2020 war, in which Azerbaijan regained vast tracts of land, brought home the need for air superiority and precision strike capability, areas where the JF-17 has been extremely effective. Azerbaijan chose the JF-17 Thunder Block III over Western or Russian aircraft due to a combination of cost, capability, and geopolitics.
The JF-17, a jointly manufactured product of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and Chinese Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, is a less expensive counterpart to more expensive Western military aircraft such as the F-16 or Eurofighter Typhoon.
Its comparatively lower acquisition and maintenance cost makes it an attractive choice for nations wanting to become more operationally effective on a limited budget without the expense of high-technology Western products.
The capacity of the jet to carry various weapons, such as Turkey’s advanced Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan air-to-air missiles, makes the jet more attractive to Azerbaijan, which has close defense relations with Ankara.
Turkish missiles into the JF-17s
X posts, such as that of @stargazete, show that incorporating these Turkish missiles into the JF-17s would enable more military cooperation between Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Turkey and thus potentially redetermine the regional power structure. The JF-17’s combat experience in recent Indian-Pakistani wars in South Asia has also contributed to Azerbaijan’s procurement growth.
Pakistani news outlets, including the Xinhua articles, report that the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft emerged victorious in decisive battles in May 2025, specifically including the reported destruction of an Indian S-400 air defense system deployed in Punjab.
India’s Defence Ministry disputes these claims, calling them “entirely erroneous,” according to India Today. The reported fights, amid increased tensions across Kashmir, tested the JF-17’s ability to fight effectively in high-intensity conflict, with improved radar and longer-range PL-15 missiles.
While these claims remain unsubstantiated and are met with skepticism by some analysts, they will probably have gone far to secure the reputation of the jet as a hardy and capable platform, one that will influence Azerbaijan to upgrade its order.
The lack of official word from Baku requires caution, as unsubstantiated rumors are apt to exaggerate the capabilities of the jet in combat to make it more marketable. Unlike the JF-17, India’s Tejas jet has failed to win any foreign buyers despite strong marketing efforts. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Tejas is a 4.5-generation jet but has struggled with delays and delivery problems.
The Indian Air Force now eagerly awaits the new LCA Mk1A variant, according to the Eurasian Times. Despite its modern features, the Tejas lacks real combat experience and export success, unlike the growing reputation of the JF-17.
Thunder Block III
Azerbaijan picked the JF-17 over Tejas, favoring its proven performance and lower cost. Pakistan and China’s aggressive marketing and flexible deals gave the JF-17 a clear edge. The JF-17 Thunder Block III is a lightweight, multirole jet built for today’s air combat challenges. It measures 14.93 meters in length with a 9.46-meter wingspan.
Powered by Russia’s RD-93MA engine, it reaches Mach 1.6 and flies up to 50,000 feet. The KLJ-7A AESA radar boosts awareness by tracking multiple targets from a long distance. Block III features include a heads-up display, helmet-mounted sight, and advanced electronics. It can carry smart bombs, anti-ship missiles, and the PL-15E air-to-air missile with a 100-mile range.
The jet has eight weapon hardpoints and carries up to 4,000 kilograms of mixed payload. This allows it to handle air-to-air, ground attack, and naval missions with ease. Defence Security Asia reports Azerbaijan will equip JF-17s with Turkey’s Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan missiles. These Turkish missiles improve the aircraft’s strike power in both long- and short-range combat.
The JF-17 is affordable, priced at $25–30 million—half the cost of a modern F-16. Its open-architecture avionics make upgrades easy and keep it relevant for future missions. With a 1,200-kilometer range, it can launch from basic airstrips in rugged terrain. That makes it perfect for Azerbaijan’s challenging geography in the South Caucasus. The JF-17 flew in Spears of Victory 2025 alongside Rafales and F-15s. Its presence in global drills shows its growing role in international air forces.
Azerbaijan’s expanding JF-17 fleet signals a rising Chinese influence across the South Caucasus and beyond. China, through its partnership with Pakistan, promotes the JF-17 as a key defense export to rival Western arms.
Azerbaijan, Myanmar, and Nigeria
Countries like Azerbaijan, Myanmar, and Nigeria show trust in China’s cost-effective and reliable fighter jet. Azerbaijan’s deal gives China a stronger presence in a region also eyed by Russia, Turkey, and the West.
The planned integration of Turkish missiles shows growing military cooperation between non-Western allies. Such ties could reshape future regional alliances and defense blocs away from traditional Western frameworks.
However, no official confirmation of the new agreement raises questions about the reliability of these claims. Reports mainly stem from social media and outlets, like Defense Arabic, without any government or military statements.
This silence suggests the deal could still be under discussion or may not be as large as reported. The $4.2 billion figure for 40 jets seems inflated, given the JF-17’s much lower unit cost. Perhaps the price includes extras—training, support, maintenance, or advanced weaponry. We need independent confirmation before accepting these claims at face value.
Overhyped reports can boost Pakistan’s export image or pressure Armenia, which still relies on Russian arms. If true, Azerbaijan’s purchase of 24 more JF-17s could shift the military balance in the South Caucasus.
It would show Baku’s intent to modernize its air force with dependable and affordable systems. The JF-17’s adaptability and low cost make it ideal for a region prone to tension and conflict.
Yet, with no solid evidence, the expanded order remains uncertain. Allegations about the jet’s performance in South Asia further complicate its reputation. So, while the news is exciting, a cautious approach is wise until facts are verified.
Conclusion
China and Pakistan are steadily growing their military power through cooperation and smart defense exports. Meanwhile, India struggles to attract buyers for the Tejas, despite its ongoing efforts to boost defense exports. These shifts show the international arms market is changing fast and in unexpected ways. This change could upset the existing power balance in regions like the South Caucasus.
Could Azerbaijan’s reported JF-17 deal genuinely enhance its military advantage, or might that assertion be considered premature? Currently, we can only wait for official confirmation before drawing any firm conclusions.
References
- Defense Arabic – Azerbaijan to expand JF-17 order
🔗 defense -arabic.com - The Defense Post – Azerbaijan signs JF-17 deal with Pakistan
🔗 thedefensepost.com - Defence Security Asia—Turkish missiles for Azerbaijani JF-17s
🔗 defencesecurityasia.com - India Today—India denies JF-17 hit on S-400
🔗 indiatoday.in - EurAsian Times – Tejas struggles to attract buyers
🔗 eurasiantimes.com - Xinhua – JF-17 performance in May 2025 conflict
🔗 english.news.cn - Defense News Today – Spears of Victory 2025 jet lineup
🔗 defensenewstoday.info - Pakistan Defence Forum – Azerbaijan–Pakistan military cooperation
🔗 facebook.com/pakistandefenseforum
