Pakistan announces sale of 40 JF-17 fighters to Azerbaijan
The JF-17 and PL-15 pairing, successfully tested in combat, is said to have renewed interest in this fighter model.
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The Government of Pakistan confirmed that Azerbaijan has signed an agreement to acquire 40 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, as part of a defense cooperation package valued at $4.6 billion. The announcement was made in an official statement following a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
If the disclosed terms are confirmed, this would represent the largest defense export in Pakistan’s history, far surpassing the contract signed in February 2024, when Azerbaijan purchased an initial batch of eight JF-17 Block III jets and associated armament for $1.6 billion.
Comprehensive Modernization of the Azerbaijani Air Force
The acquisition of the JF-17 Block III marks a significant leap for the Azerbaijani Air Force, which aims to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29s. The new fighters, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, feature an AESA KLJ-7A radar, advanced avionics, and a state-of-the-art electronic warfare system, configured to operate long-range air-to-air missiles.
Although the first batch of JF-17s delivered to Azerbaijan was equipped with medium-range SD-10A air-to-air missiles —the export version of the PL-12— it is highly likely that the new jets will be equipped with the PL-15 missile. The latter, featuring active AESA radar guidance and a range exceeding 150 km in its export variant, has demonstrated its effectiveness in Pakistani hands during recent beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements against the Indian Air Force.
In addition, Azerbaijan is modernizing its attack aviation by upgrading its Su-25 aircraft with the Turkish company TUSAŞ, as part of a comprehensive plan to renew its aerial capabilities with the collaboration of multiple partners.
The JF-17 Block III and PL-15 Combination: A “Combat-Proven” Successful Package
The operational performance of the JF-17 Block III paired with the PL-15 missile in recent conflicts has boosted international interest in this platform. During the clashes in Kashmir, Pakistani JF-17 fighters reportedly achieved multiple hits against Indian aircraft, including Su-30MKI, MiG-29, and Dassault Rafale jets, demonstrating the real effectiveness of this fighter-missile pairing.
For Azerbaijan, this combination represents an attractive option to modernize its air force with a combat system capable of countering regional threats, at a lower cost and with greater flexibility than other Western or Russian systems.
The contract also confirms the growing strategic alliance between Baku and Islamabad, with Pakistan positioning itself as a key supplier of advanced military technology in the region, in close cooperation with China — a fundamental technological partner in the development of the JF-17.
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