Azerbaijan’s Air Force is reportedly gearing up to enhance its military capabilities by equipping its new JF-17 Block 3 fighter jets with advanced Turkish-made air-to-air missiles. The missiles in question are the Gokdogan Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) and the Bozdogan Within Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (WVRAAM), both produced by Turkey’s defense industry giant Tubitak Sage. This addition of Turkish-manufactured missiles is part of an ongoing defense partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkey and reflects Turkey’s expanding role in providing advanced defense solutions to its allies.

The JF-17 Block 3 fighter jet, jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG), is a highly versatile, modernized fighter aircraft that already boasts technological advances derived from China’s J-20 “Mighty Dragon” fifth-generation fighter. Now, with the integration of Turkish missile technology and avionics, Azerbaijan’s acquisition of these aircraft represents not only a step up in its national defense but also a significant alignment with Turkey and Pakistan amid shifting defense dynamics in the region.

JF-17 Block 3 Fighter Jets

In February 2023, reports confirmed that Azerbaijan had agreed to acquire several JF-17 Block 3 jets to replace its aging fleet of MiG-29 aircraft. With an estimated expenditure of $1.6 billion (RM7.2 billion), this acquisition marked a major defense upgrade for Azerbaijan, which aims to enhance its air combat capabilities amid an increasingly complex regional security environment.

The JF-17 Block 3 is the latest iteration of the JF-17 fighter series and boasts sophisticated upgrades, including advanced radar systems, superior avionics, and integration of fifth-generation technologies borrowed from China’s J-20. The Block 3 model has made notable advances over previous versions, including enhanced radar systems, advanced weaponry, and a high-speed datalink, further elevating its capability as a multirole combat platform. The selection of the JF-17 is particularly notable as it underscores Azerbaijan’s decision to shift toward Pakistani and Chinese military equipment rather than relying exclusively on Russia, the historical provider of arms in the region.

JF-17 Block 3 Capabilities

The JF-17 Block 3 is fitted with features that increase its effectiveness in complex combat scenarios:

• Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar: This radar system allows the JF-17 Block 3 to track multiple targets simultaneously and provides enhanced situational awareness.
• Infrared Search and Track (IRST): IRST systems enable the aircraft to detect enemy fighters without activating radar, making it harder to be detected.
• Fly-by-Wire System: An updated flight control system for increased maneuverability and stability in aerial combat.
• Fifth-Generation Elements: Drawing from the J-20’s technologies, the JF-17 Block 3 integrates some stealth and high-tech navigation capabilities.

As the Azerbaijan Air Force incorporates the JF-17 Block 3, these advancements position it as one of the more capable aircraft in the region, enhancing Azerbaijan’s capacity for self-defense.

Integration of Turkish Missiles: Gokdogan and Bozdogan

Azerbaijan’s latest JF-17 Block 3 upgrade is the integration of two sophisticated missile systems developed under Turkey’s GOKTUG Project: the Gokdogan and Bozdogan air-to-air missiles. These missile systems, which underwent rigorous testing and are now ready for mass production, are part of Turkey’s ambitious drive toward self-reliance in defense and the provision of cutting-edge military technology to its allies.

Gokdogan BVRAAM: Long-Range Precision

The Gokdogan is Turkey’s answer to advanced beyond-visual-range air combat needs. Similar in capabilities to the American AIM-120 AMRAAM, the Gokdogan missile is designed for long-range engagements and is equipped with an Active Radar Seeker for precision targeting over extended distances. Here’s a closer look at its features:

• Active Radar Seeker: Allows the Gokdogan to identify and lock onto multiple targets autonomously, tracking targets from all directions.
• Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM): Gokdogan’s design includes resistance to jamming and interference, enabling it to counteract electronic warfare measures and even use these countermeasures to pinpoint the source.
• Maneuverability and Speed: The missile is designed for high maneuverability, a crucial advantage in dodging countermeasures and engaging agile enemy fighters.

Bozdogan WVRAAM: Close-Range Lethality

The Bozdogan missile is Turkey’s short-range solution for air-to-air engagements, designed to counter agile, short-distance threats with precision and speed:

• Imaging Infrared (IIR) Seeker: The Bozdogan uses IIR guidance similar to the AIM-9X Sidewinder, allowing for thermal detection and locking, making it highly effective in close combat.
• High-Speed and Agility: With speeds reaching up to Mach 4, Bozdogan provides quick and agile responses, necessary for short-range air combat.

These features collectively make the Gokdogan and Bozdogan missiles formidable additions to Azerbaijan’s aerial arsenal, enabling its JF-17 Block 3 jets to effectively counter various air threats.

Turkish Defense Industry: Expansion and Innovation

Turkey’s GOKTUG Project, managed by Tubitak Sage, aims to produce indigenous missiles for a variety of aerial platforms, including the F-16, Hurjet, and other Turkish combat drones. This ambitious project is part of a broader national defense initiative intended to lessen reliance on foreign arms suppliers and boost Turkey’s position in the global defense market.

The Gokdogan and Bozdogan missiles have successfully undergone several test launches, confirming their viability for operational use. Turkey’s entry into missile production aligns with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s vision for Turkey to become a self-sufficient defense powerhouse. This new capability positions Turkey not only to support its allies but also to influence the strategic direction of defense in Central Asia and beyond.

The defense collaboration between Turkey and Azerbaijan is well-established and extends beyond missile technology. From joint military exercises to shared intelligence efforts, the two nations maintain a close and cooperative defense relationship under the strategic banner of “One Nation, Two States.” Turkey has also been a key supporter of Azerbaijan in various regional conflicts, notably during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia, where Turkish drones and military expertise significantly aided Azerbaijan’s military success.

Turkey’s export of advanced defense technologies to Azerbaijan not only serves to solidify their alliance but also establishes Turkey as a credible defense supplier to other nations in the region.

Strategic Implications for the Region

Azerbaijan’s acquisition of JF-17 Block 3 jets equipped with Turkish missile technology marks a significant shift in the Central Asian arms market, traditionally dominated by Russian suppliers. This development has several key implications:

• Shifting Defense Alliances: Azerbaijan’s decision to procure fighter jets from Pakistan and China, and missiles from Turkey, signals a shift away from reliance on Russian weaponry. This move reflects a broader regional trend of diversifying arms sources.
• Increased Turkish Influence: Turkey’s growing role as a defense supplier to Azerbaijan enhances its influence in Central Asia, giving it leverage in regional defense politics and shifting power dynamics.
• Market Penetration for Pakistan and China: Azerbaijan’s adoption of the JF-17 Block 3 marks a strategic victory for Pakistan and China as they enter markets traditionally dominated by Russian arms. This could pave the way for future collaborations with other Central Asian countries.
• Impact on Russian Arms Exports: As Azerbaijan and other Central Asian countries increasingly explore alternative defense suppliers, Russia may need to reassess its position and strategy to maintain influence in its traditional arms markets.