Azerbaijan decides that 16 JF-17s are just the beginning

Azerbaijan is prepared to significantly strengthen its air force by expanding its order of JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China.

According to international media reports, Azerbaijan initially signed a deal to acquire 16 of these advanced multirole aircraft, but unconfirmed sources suggest the order could rise to as many as 40 units. Estimates indicate that the total value of the deal may reach $4.2 billion.

The initial agreement for 16 JF-17 Thunder Block III aircraft was formalized in February 2024, with Azerbaijan confirming the integration of the jets into its air force by October of the same year. The $1.6 billion contract, as reported by The Defense Post, represented a major step in the country’s efforts to modernize its military capabilities, particularly in the air domain.

The JF-17s are not intended to replace Azerbaijan’s current fleet but rather to enhance the operational strength of its air force, which has traditionally relied on aging Soviet-era aircraft such as the MiG-29 and Su-25. Although still operational, these older platforms lack the advanced avionics, modern weaponry, and multirole flexibility offered by the JF-17 Block III.

Jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, the JF-17 represents a more cost-effective alternative to more expensive Western fighters like the F-16 or Eurofighter Typhoon. Moreover, the aircraft’s compatibility with a wide array of munitions — including advanced Turkish air-to-air missiles such as the Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan — further increases its appeal to Azerbaijan.