Azerbaijan intensifies militarization: Pakistan comes to the rescue again

Azerbaijan has significantly increased its order for JF-17 Thunder light multi-role fighter jets from the original 16 to 40 vehicles. The value of the deal is estimated at about 4.2 billion dollars. 

According to Defense Arabic, the aircraft are the newest and most powerful version of the JF-17 family – the “Block 3” version – a generation 4.5 fighter jointly developed by Pakistan and China. 

If Azerbaijan increases its purchase of JF-17s to 40 aircraft, it will become the largest export buyer of the Thunder series and will become Pakistan’s largest fighter export deal in history, surpassing previous sales to Nigeria and Myanmar.

Azerbaijan has already officially received 16 JF-17 Block III fighter jets in 2023.

These aircraft are expected to replace the outdated Russian-made MiG-29 fighters. It is noted that Baku is seeking to reduce its dependence on traditional suppliers such as Russia.