Azerbaijan has officially announced the induction of the JF-17 Block III fighter aircraft, developed jointly by Pakistan and China, into its air force. The aircraft was presented to Ilham Aliyev, the President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of Azerbaijan, during a ceremony at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport on September 25, 2024. Azerbaijan’s military modernization efforts as it continues to upgrade its defense arsenal amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly with neighboring Armenia.
The JF-17 Block III aircraft took place in a ceremony attended by high-ranking officials, including Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov and Air Vice Marshal Hakim Raza, Chairman of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Board. Both officials briefed President Aliyev on the performance, capabilities, and operational features of the newly acquired jets. “The jets have already been integrated into the arsenal of Azerbaijan’s Air Force,” read a statement from the President’s office, emphasizing the rapid deployment and operational readiness of the JF-17 fighters.
The event was commemorated with the release of several photographs showing President Aliyev inspecting the aircraft at the airport. In one striking image, the president was seen seated in the cockpit of the fighter jet, symbolizing the importance of the new acquisition to Azerbaijan’s defense strategy.
Strengthening Combat Capabilities
The JF-17 Block III, known for its versatile combat capabilities, is seen as a game-changer for Azerbaijan’s air force. The country’s acquisition of the advanced fighter jets is intended to significantly boost its combat readiness, particularly in the face of its ongoing territorial disputes and security concerns with Armenia.
The JF-17 Block III has earned a reputation for being a cost-effective yet highly capable multi-role fighter. The new aircraft will allow Azerbaijan to enhance its aerial strike capabilities, offering both air-to-air and air-to-ground attack options, which are critical in maintaining a strategic edge in the South Caucasus.
While the exact number of aircraft acquired by Azerbaijan remains undisclosed, reports from earlier in the year indicated that an initial contract worth US $1.6 billion was signed, covering eight jets in the first tranche, with an option to purchase an additional eight aircraft. This acquisition also includes comprehensive pilot training and the provision of armaments.
Azerbaijan’s acquisition of the JF-17 Block III signals a broader shift in its defense procurement strategy. Historically, Baku has relied on Russia as its primary supplier of military equipment. However, in recent years, Azerbaijan has diversified its sources of military hardware, increasingly turning to Pakistan, Turkey, and other suppliers.
This diversification is part of Azerbaijan’s strategy to reduce its dependence on any single country for its defense needs. Pakistan, in particular, has emerged as a key defense partner for Azerbaijan, with close bilateral ties dating back to Azerbaijan’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Pakistan was the second country, after Turkey, to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence.
The induction of the JF-17 Block III aircraft into Azerbaijan’s air force further cements the strong military ties between Baku and Islamabad. These ties have been further strengthened by Pakistan’s unwavering support for Azerbaijan in its territorial conflict with Armenia, particularly regarding the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Military Modernization in a Geopolitical Hotspot
The acquisition of the JF-17 Block III comes at a crucial time for Azerbaijan as it continues to navigate the complex and often volatile geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan and Armenia have fought multiple wars over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, the most recent of which was the 44-day conflict in 2020. Although the war ended with Azerbaijan reclaiming significant portions of the territory, tensions between the two countries remain high.
Both Azerbaijan and Armenia have launched extensive military modernization programs since the conflict, preparing for potential future hostilities. For Azerbaijan, the JF-17 Block III represents a significant upgrade in its air power, complementing its existing fleet of drones and fighter jets, many of which have been acquired from Turkey.
On the other hand, Armenia has turned to countries like India and France for its military hardware. In recent years, Yerevan has acquired Akash surface-to-air missiles, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, radars, and howitzers to bolster its defense capabilities.
This dynamic has created two distinct military alliances in the region: one comprising Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan, and the other including Armenia, India, and France. The latest addition to Azerbaijan’s air fleet strengthens the country’s position within this trilateral alliance.
JF-17 Block III
The JF-17 Block III is the latest and most advanced version of the JF-17 Thunder, a joint venture between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAIC). It boasts several upgraded features that make it an attractive option for countries looking for a cost-effective yet powerful multi-role fighter jet.
The aircraft is equipped with cutting-edge avionics and weapons systems, including the KLJ-7A airborne active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which provides superior targeting and tracking capabilities. The JF-17 Block III also has improved maneuverability, greater range, and enhanced combat readiness, making it adaptable to various combat scenarios.
Features of the JF-17 Block III:
- AESA Radar: Offering better radar coverage and detection capabilities.
- PL-15 BVR Missile: The aircraft can carry the long-range PL-15 Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile, with a range of up to 300 kilometers, allowing it to engage enemy aircraft from a significant distance.
- Stealth Characteristics: With a lower radar cross-section, the Block III variant offers better stealth capabilities compared to earlier models.
- Electronic Warfare Suite: The aircraft is equipped with an integrated electronic warfare (EW) suite, which provides it with enhanced survivability in contested environments.
The fighter jet is also capable of carrying a wide array of armaments, including guided bombs, anti-ship missiles, and air-to-air missiles, making it highly versatile in both offensive and defensive roles.
Pakistan’s Defense Industry
The sale of the JF-17 Block III to Azerbaijan is a significant achievement for Pakistan’s defense industry, which has been actively seeking international customers for the aircraft. Azerbaijan is now the fourth country to acquire the JF-17, following Myanmar, Nigeria, and Iraq.
The JF-17 has been actively marketed to other countries, including Argentina, which was considering the aircraft as part of its air force modernization program. However, the JF-17 lost out to the second-hand Danish F-16 Fighting Falcons in Argentina’s procurement process. The sale to Azerbaijan, therefore, provides a significant boost to the reputation of the JF-17 and reinforces Pakistan’s status as a growing player in the global defense market.
The fighter jet’s success can be attributed to its affordability compared to Western and Russian alternatives, as well as its ability to integrate various weapons systems, making it an attractive option for countries with limited defense budgets but high security demands.
Azerbaijan’s acquisition of the JF-17 Block III aircraft is likely to have broader implications for the security dynamics of the South Caucasus. The introduction of these advanced fighters into Azerbaijan’s air force adds a new dimension to the ongoing military buildup in the region.
With both Azerbaijan and Armenia investing heavily in military modernization, the risk of renewed hostilities remains ever-present. While diplomatic efforts to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute continue, both sides are clearly preparing for any eventuality. For Azerbaijan, the JF-17 Block III provides a significant upgrade in its air combat capabilities, enhancing its deterrence posture and its ability to project power in the region.
As the geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus continues to evolve, Azerbaijan’s partnership with Pakistan and Turkey is likely to strengthen further. The acquisition of the JF-17 Block III is not just a testament to Azerbaijan’s commitment to modernizing its military but also a reflection of the deepening ties between these three countries, often referred to as “The Three Brothers.” The JF-17 Block III into Azerbaijan’s air force marks a new chapter in the country’s defense strategy, positioning it to better defend its interests in a complex and often unpredictable region.
