ISLAMABAD: Azerbaijan has finalized a landmark procurement deal for 40JF-17 Block 3 multirole fighter aircraft, which were used by Pakistan inMay 2025 clash against India shooting down Indian Rafale, FORBES hasreported. It underscore the growing international appeal of Pakistan’sco-developed aviation technology with China. The agreement, valued atapproximately $4.6 billion, marks one of the largest orders for theplatform to date. Deliveries commenced earlier this month, with five jetsshowcased during a military parade in Baku on November 11. This acquisitionaims to modernize Azerbaijan’s air force amid regional tensions.
The JF-17 Block 3 variant incorporates cutting-edge features, includingactive electronically scanned array radars for superior detection andtargeting capabilities. These lightweight fighters are designed forversatility in air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions.A key asset is their compatibility with the PL-15E beyond-visual-rangeair-to-air missile, a Chinese export variant renowned for its extendedreach exceeding 200 kilometers. This integration enhances the aircraft’slethality in contested airspace.
Pakistan’s recent combat experience has elevated the JF-17’s globalreputation. During intense aerial clashes with India in May 2025, Pakistanipilots employed these fighters armed with PL-15E missiles to neutralize atleast one Dassault Rafale jets, alongside additional Indian aircraft. Theengagements, sparked by border skirmishes in Kashmir, demonstrated thesystem’s effectiveness against advanced Western platforms. Eyewitnessaccounts and satellite imagery corroborated the downings, dealing asignificant blow to India’s air superiority claims.
The successful interceptions not only validated the JF-17’s tacticalprowess but also highlighted the PL-15E’s precision guidance and evasioncountermeasures. Pakistani Air Force officials reported minimal losses ontheir side, attributing this to the fighter’s agility and integratedavionics. This episode has prompted several nations to reassess theirprocurement strategies, viewing the JF-17 as a cost-effective alternativeto pricier options like the F-16 or Eurofighter.
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For Azerbaijan, the influx of JF-17s strengthens deterrence againstpotential adversaries in the South Caucasus. Enhanced bilateral ties withPakistan, including joint training exercises, will facilitate seamlessintegration. As deliveries progress through 2026, Baku anticipates atransformed aerial posture, bolstering national security in a volatilegeopolitical landscape.
Source:www.airdatanews.com/azerbaijan-jf17-block-iii-delivery-baku-parade/”>https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/14/did-pakistan-shoot-down-five-indian-fighter-jets-what-we-know”>https://www.airdatanews.com/azerbaijan-jf17-block-iii-delivery-baku-parade/www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/14/did-pakistan-shoot-down-five-indian-fighter-jets-what-we-know”>https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/14/did-pakistan-shoot-down-five-indian-fighter-jets-what-we-know
