Azerbaijan has taken delivery of its first JF-17C (Block-III) fighter jets at a ceremony held at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. The event was attended by President Ilham Aliyev and other senior officials, marking a significant boost to Azerbaijan’s Air Force.
These state-of-the-art jets were developed through a collaboration between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation.
The JF-17C jets are designed to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions in all weather conditions. Known for their agility and high performance at different altitudes, these multirole aircraft will greatly enhance Azerbaijan’s ability to protect its airspace.
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At the handover event, Air Vice Marshal Hakim Raza, representing Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, shared the operational features of the aircraft.
Though the exact number of jets delivered and the cost of the deal have not been officially disclosed, reports suggest that this acquisition is part of a larger defence agreement between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, valued at approximately $1.6 billion.
The delivery is seen as a step toward modernising Azerbaijan’s military and strengthening ties between the two countries.
The arrival of the JF-17C jets follows President Aliyev’s recent visit to Pakistan, during which both nations discussed expanding their military and economic cooperation. This defence deal is seen as part of Azerbaijan’s broader efforts to improve its military strength while also highlighting Pakistan’s growing role as a defence exporter on the international stage.
