Azerbaijan is set to receive its first batch of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan, with potential plans for joint production in the future, according to Information Minister Atta Tarar. He noted that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has expressed keen interest in bolstering defense ties with Pakistan and has committed to investing $2 billion in the country.
Tarar mentioned that discussions regarding Azerbaijan’s investment are nearing completion, with agreements expected to be signed during President Aliyev’s visit to Islamabad in April. He added, “The President of Azerbaijan has shown significant interest in Pakistan’s defense industry and infrastructure development. Along with defense cooperation, projects like highway construction have also been discussed.”
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Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Business Forum in Baku alongside President Aliyev. In his address, PM Shehbaz highlighted the importance of enhancing defense collaboration, describing the North-South Corridor as a “game changer” for the region. He stressed that Pakistan and Azerbaijan are committed to deepening cooperation in the defense sector, particularly in defense production, and pointed to the JF-17 fighter jet as a prime example of advanced military collaboration.
PM Shehbaz also announced that a $2 billion investment agreement would be finalized within a month, further strengthening economic ties between the two nations, and encouraged businesses from both sides to capitalize on emerging investment opportunities.
During the visit, Pakistan and Azerbaijan signed several agreements and memorandums of understanding, including amendments to the LNG trade framework, the White Oil Pipeline Project to improve energy connectivity, and the declaration of Nakhchivan (Azerbaijan) and Lahore (Pakistan) as twin cities to boost cultural and economic ties.
