Azerbaijan to buy JF-17 fighter jets

As part of Pakistan's efforts to enhance defence cooperation with friendly countries, a contract for the sale of JF-17 Block-III fighter aircraft to bolster airpower capabilities of Azerbaijan was signed recently, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced in a statement on Thursday.

The announcement came following an impressive display by the fighter jet during the Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX)-2024 in Baku. Earlier, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev was briefed on the versatile employment options of the aircraft during his recent visit to Pakistan.

"Pursuant to President Aliyev's visit and on request of Government of Azerbaijan, Pakistan deployed PAF contingent at Baku to participate in ADEX-2024, showcasing the aerial prowess and static display of Pride of Pakistan JF-17 Thunder Block-III," the statement said.

"During deployment, JF-17 carried out Air to Air Refuelling from PAF Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft deploying in a single hop to Baku, Azerbaijan, demonstrating long haul capability and reach of the PAF's fighter jet," it added.

The ISPR stated that President Aliyev also visited the static display of JF-17 Block-III and later witnessed an enthralling aerial demonstration of JF-17 Thunder, showcasing the agility and manoeuvrability of the fighter jet alongside the professional competence of PAF pilots.

"JF-17 Thunder Block-III is an AESA Radar and Long Range BVR equipped 4.5 generation Multi-Role fighter aircraft which is capable of undertaking wide array of combat missions providing contemporary airpower employment options thus strengthening the National Security Paradigm of Azerbaijan."

The ISPR said that president Aliyev expressed that the support extended by Pakistan would go a long way in consolidating the existing military cooperation between the two countries, fostering closer defence collaboration and strengthening the warm brotherly ties between the two nations.