On September 25, 2024, Azerbaijan’s official presidential website announced the integration of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) JF-17C Block-III into its Air Force arsenal. This statement confirmed the acquisition of an unspecified number of these advanced fighter jets, marking a significant development in Azerbaijan’s military capabilities. Prior to this announcement, there were unverified reports suggesting that Baku had signed a $1.6 billion deal for a certain number of JF-17s, although neither Azerbaijan nor Pakistan has officially confirmed these figures.
The pursuit of JF-17s by Azerbaijan can be traced back several years, with Pakistan actively marketing the aircraft since at least 2017. The JF-17, a product of Pakistan’s defense industry, has been aimed at various potential buyers, including Argentina and Malaysia, but those efforts did not culminate in sales. Therefore, securing a deal with Azerbaijan would represent a notable success for PAC and a critical breakthrough in its export strategy.
Historically, Azerbaijan has relied heavily on Russian combat aircraft, including the Mikoyan MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-25, for its air operations. However, the ongoing geopolitical crisis stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has complicated the situation. Moscow’s defense industry is currently focused on supporting its war efforts, which has severely limited its capacity to fulfill new export orders. Additionally, U.S.-led sanctions on Russia are forcing traditional buyers like Azerbaijan to seek alternative sources for military hardware, including potential partnerships with China and Turkey.
In this context, the JF-17 presents a cost-effective option for Azerbaijan to modernize its air force while enhancing its air combat capabilities. The JF-17C Block-III is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an integrated electronic countermeasures (ECM) suite, and a helmet-mounted display and sight (HMD/S). These features provide the JF-17C with contemporary air warfare capabilities, some of which are not yet standard on even the latest Russian fighter platforms.
The versatility of the JF-17C is another key advantage. It can carry a wide array of munitions, including the long-range PL-15E air-to-air missile (LRAAM) with a range of 145 km, and the PL-10E high-off-boresight (HOBS) air-to-air missile for close engagements. Additionally, it is capable of deploying the C-802 anti-ship cruise missile and various laser-guided and satellite-guided bombs.
Notably, Azerbaijan may also gain access to the Taimur air-launched cruise missile (ALCM), which has a stated range of 280 km. This capability would enhance the JF-17’s role as a long-range strike asset, a feature that sets it apart in the regional defense landscape, particularly since it operates outside the constraints of U.S. and Western regulatory frameworks.
Moreover, Pakistan is actively developing a range of other air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions, further broadening the JF-17C’s operational capabilities. This diversified supply chain for munitions ensures that Azerbaijan’s air force will not be overly reliant on any single country, thus allowing it to integrate solutions from both Pakistan and potential partners like Turkey.
The acquisition of JF-17s is a strategic move for Azerbaijan, aiming to bolster its air combat capabilities amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. As it looks to modernize its military assets and reduce dependency on traditional suppliers, the partnership with Pakistan represents a significant step towards achieving these objectives. The integration of the JF-17 into Azerbaijan’s Air Force not only enhances its defense posture but also reflects the evolving landscape of military partnerships in the region. This development is expected to have broader implications for regional security dynamics, especially as Azerbaijan seeks to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.