Pakistan has finalized a major defense deal with Azerbaijan for the sale of 40 JF-17 Block III fighter jets, valued between $1.6 billion and $4.2 billion. This agreement marks a significant upgrade for Azerbaijan’s air force, equipping it with advanced aircraft featuring AESA radar and compatibility with long-range PL-15 and PL-10 missiles. Turkish Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan missiles may also be integrated, highlighting growing defense cooperation among Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey.
The deal follows a successful demonstration of the JF-17 Block III at ADEX-2024 in Baku, which President Ilham Aliyev attended and praised. Deliveries will occur in phases and include training and support.
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This agreement enhances Pakistan’s defense exports and strengthens trilateral ties while helping Azerbaijan reduce reliance on older Russian aircraft amid changing regional dynamics. It also reinforces Pakistan’s growing presence in the global arms market as a provider of advanced yet affordable military technology.
