Azerbaijan Becomes Fourth Operator of Pakistani JF-17 Fighter Jets.

On September 25, 2024, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Ilham Aliyev, was officially presented with the new JF-17C (Block-III) fighter jets during a ceremony at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. These state-of-the-art, multi-role combat aircraft, capable of operating in all weather conditions, day or night, are the result of a collaboration between the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC). With this acquisition, the Azerbaijani Air Force becomes the fourth official operator of this aircraft.
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The JF-17C (Block-III) is a single-engine multi-role combat aircraft, recognized for its air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, as well as its high maneuverability at medium and low altitudes, delivering effective firepower.
(Picture source: Azerbaijan MoD)

During the ceremony, Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, reported to President Aliyev, while Air Vice Marshal Hakim Raza, chairman of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, provided detailed information on the technical and tactical specifications of the aircraft, as well as their operational performance. The JF-17C (Block-III) is a single-engine multi-role combat aircraft, recognized for its air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, as well as its high maneuverability at medium and low altitudes, delivering effective firepower.

The enhancement of the Azerbaijani Air Force’s capabilities through the inclusion of the JF-17C (Block-III) represents a significant step in improving its air defense, ground attack, and air superiority capabilities. The new aircraft are equipped with modern avionics and sophisticated weaponry, making them suitable for both defensive and offensive operations. This acquisition occurs in the context of regional security challenges, enabling Azerbaijan to boost its operational capacity.

The Azerbaijani government is reported to have signed a $1.6 billion deal with Pakistan for the purchase of an unspecified number of JF-17C Block III fighter jets. This model, the latest variant, is equipped with advanced avionics and can carry sophisticated air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. The JF-17 Block III features a Chinese-made Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, the KLJ-7A, which is comparable to those used in fifth-generation fighter jets.

Azerbaijan's acquisition of the JF-17 Block III also marks a significant breakthrough for Pakistan and China in the Central Asian arms market, traditionally dominated by Russian defense companies. This new capability will replace the aging MiG-29 fighters, modernizing Azerbaijan’s air fleet. Although equipped with Chinese components, the JF-17 Block III also integrates Turkish weapons systems, including the Gokdogan BVRAAM and Bozdogan WVRAAM missiles produced by Turkey’s defense industry, further strengthening defense ties between Azerbaijan and Turkey.

The JF-17C can carry a variety of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship missiles, as well as guided and unguided bombs (Picture source: Azerbaijan MoD)

In addition to these advanced features, the JF-17C (Block III) is the most advanced version of the JF-17 Thunder, with significant improvements in avionics, weaponry, and defensive capabilities. It is equipped with an AESA radar, enhancing its target detection and tracking capabilities, and a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) to improve the pilot’s situational awareness. The aircraft also incorporates advanced electronic warfare systems, a larger head-up display (HUD) with a wider field of view, and infrared search and track (IRST) systems. The JF-17C benefits from an improved engine, either the Guizhou WS-13 or Klimov RD-93MA, offering better thrust and maneuverability compared to previous versions. Additionally, it can carry an extended payload thanks to an additional hardpoint, allowing for the integration of a more diverse range of weaponry.

In terms of armament, the JF-17C can carry a variety of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship missiles, as well as guided and unguided bombs. The primary BVR missile is the PL-12/SD-10, while close-range engagements are enhanced with short-range PL-5 or PL-9 missiles. It can also deploy anti-radiation missiles, anti-ship missiles, precision-guided munitions, and laser-guided bombs. For defense, the aircraft is equipped with Radar Warning Receivers (RWR), Missile Approach Warning Systems (MAW), and countermeasures such as chaff and flares to evade hostile threats. This combination of modern avionics, powerful weaponry, and reinforced defensive systems makes the JF-17C a formidable multi-role fighter, capable of excelling in both offensive and defensive operations.

The integration of this cutting-edge technology, including short- and long-range missiles, significantly enhances Azerbaijan’s ability to meet its national defense needs while improving its precision strike capabilities. This acquisition reflects Azerbaijan's evolving strategic partnerships and its commitment to modernizing its armed forces to address emerging regional threats.