Azerbaijan Makes History with Largest Ever JF-17 Thunder Order, PotentiallyExceeding 50 Jets
Baku, Azerbaijan – In a landmarkdeal for the international arms market, the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, a joint venture between China and Pakistan, has secured its biggest ever order. Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense announced on September 25th the successful delivery of the first batch of JF-17 Block 3 aircraft, marking asignificant milestone for both Chinese weapons exports and Azerbaijan’s air force modernization efforts.
The delivery ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including President Ilham Aliyev and Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov, signifying the importance Azerbaijan places on this newaircraft. President Aliyev, after receiving a briefing on the jet’s tactical features, operational capabilities, and key performance indicators, even took a personal tour of the aircraft, showcasing the government’s strong endorsement and anticipation for the JF-17Block 3.
These modern, lightweight, all-weather multirole fighters have officially joined the Azerbaijani Air Force arsenal, promising a substantial boost to the country’s air power, particularly in the face of military pressure from neighboring Armenia.
According to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense, the total value of thedeal with Pakistan is estimated at $1.6 billion. The initial order includes at least 12 JF-17s, comprising 8 single-seater and 4 two-seater variants. However, multiple international media sources suggest the final order could exceed 50 aircraft. Even Pakistani media outlets have reportedthis as the largest military sale in the country’s history, highlighting the JF-17’s growing international recognition.
The JF-17’s competitive edge lies in its affordability and impressive performance. As a modern lightweight fighter, the JF-17 Block 3 is equipped with an advanced active electronically scanned array(AESA) radar, enabling it to launch a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. This capability caters to Azerbaijan’s urgent need for diverse combat capabilities in modern warfare.
Since its debut, the JF-17 Thunder has gained popularity among several nations due to its excellentcost-effectiveness and flexible combat capabilities. Its advanced AESA radar allows for the guidance of the PL-10 short-range air-to-air missile and the PL-15 medium-range active radar-guided air-to-air missile, giving it a strong advantage in beyond-visual-range (BVR)combat. Additionally, its ability to launch various precision-guided bombs and anti-ship missiles makes it a versatile platform for ground attack and anti-ship operations.
The historical conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, marked by Armenia’s gradual modernization of its military, has likely played a significant role in Azerbaijan’s decision toacquire the JF-17. This acquisition signifies a substantial step towards enhancing Azerbaijan’s air power and securing its national security.
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