Pakistan Signs $4.6 Billion JF-17 Fighter Jet Deal with Azerbaijan
Pakistan has signed a $4.6 billion defense agreement with Azerbaijan to supply 40 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, along with a $2 billion accompanying investment package. The government called this a record-breaking deal, which is by far the largest defense export in Pakistan’s history. Azerbaijan had originally ordered 16 JF-17s from Pakistan, but the new contract expands that purchase to 40 aircraft. The extra $2 billion investment portion of the deal is intended to cover joint industrial and infrastructure projects between the two countries.
The JF-17 Thunder itself is a lightweight, fourth-generation multirole combat aircraft co-developed by Pakistan and China. It was created as a modern, cost-effective fighter to replace older jets in Pakistan’s fleet (like the Mirage III and Chinese F-7). Powered by a single Russian-designed Klimov RD-93 turbofan engine, the JF-17 can reach speeds of about Mach 1.6 (roughly 1,900 km/h). It has excellent climb performance and can operate above 55,000 ft altitude. In combat loadout, it carries one twin-barrel 23 mm GSh-23 cannon and can mount roughly 3,400 kg of ordnance on eight external hardpoints, making it versatile for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Azerbaijan will get the latest Block III variant of the Thunder that has a modern Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and a fully digital avionics suite. It is compatible with advanced Chinese missiles. For air combat, it can employ long-range PL-15 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles and short-range infrared PL-10 missiles. The upgraded jet also includes a glass cockpit with a helmet-mounted targeting display to improve pilot situational awareness. Its weapons can include radar-guided BVR missiles, heat-seeking missiles, laser-guided bombs, anti-radiation missiles (to suppress enemy air defenses), and even anti-ship and cruise missiles for maritime or strategic strikes. Pakistan will further equip the new jets with ASELPOD electro-optical targeting pods (an advanced precision targeting system) before delivery.
The JF-17 deal is part of Azerbaijan’s broader effort to modernize its air force after recent conflicts. Deliveries of the 40 jets are expected to take place in phases over the coming years, including training programs for Azerbaijani pilots and technicians. Overall, the $4.6 billion fighter-jet sale (plus a $2 billion investment package) significantly deepens the Pakistan–Azerbaijan military relationship. The JF-17 Thunder’s delivery will modernize the Azerbaijani air force while marking a new era of defense cooperation for both countries.