New Delhi: Aviation and protection analysts have now confirmed that the JF-17 Block III fighter jets, which had been beforehand noticed flying to Azerbaijan “for an train”, have formally joined the Azerbaijani Air Power. What initially gave the impression to be a routine coaching mission was in actual fact the handover of the superior fight plane by Pakistan to Baku.
These plane made a high-profile debut throughout Azerbaijan’s Victory Day parade on November 8, 2025, the place all Pakistani markings had already been eliminated. Operated by Azerbaijani pilots, the jets’ participation within the flypast signalled their full switch and operational integration into Azerbaijan’s protection stock.
Pakistan has delivered the primary batch of three JF-17 Block III multirole fighter jets, together with a minimum of one twin-seat fight coach, to interchange the growing older MiG-29 (Izdeliye 9-13) interceptors and MiG-29UB trainers beforehand operated by Azerbaijan.
Baku has now formally confirmed the arrival of 5 Pakistani JF-17 Thunder Block III fighters. In the course of the Victory Day parade, 4 single-seat and one twin-seat variant had been publicly displayed for the primary time. The Workplace of the President of Azerbaijan highlighted that these plane at the moment are a part of the air defence power.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif praised the supply through the parade, describing the jets as an emblem of the rising strategic cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
The aerial show included a flying wedge formation over Baku. Colonel Novruz Tahirov of the Azerbaijan Republic Air Power was recognized because the backseat occupant of the lead twin-seat plane, as confirmed by the insignia on his uniform.
It’s price noticing that the plane flew with out seen nationwide markings, indicating a transitional part previous to full operational project. This public show confirmed the plane’s switch, making Azerbaijan the fourth operator of the JF-17 after Pakistan, Myanmar and Nigeria.
Footage of the plane exhibits that the identical jets beforehand arrived in Azerbaijan in October for joint workout routines with the Pakistan Air Power. Throughout these workout routines, the jets bore full Pakistani markings, together with flags, roundels and serial numbers.
Forward of the parade, these markings had been eliminated whereas serial numbers remained seen, verifying the switch. One plane, serial quantity 24-322, was documented each in full Pakistani livery through the arrival and later in Azerbaijani colors through the parade, confirming it as one of many similar airframes. The inclusion of a twin-seat variant additionally signifies an emphasis on pilot coaching together with operational deployment.
The JF-17 induction follows a collection of structured bilateral agreements. On February 22, 2024, Azerbaijan signed a $1.6 billion contract with Pakistan for the acquisition of JF-17 Block III fighters, overlaying plane, pilot coaching and ordnance. A single Block III was exhibited to Azerbaijani management through the Azerbaijan Worldwide Defence Exhibition (ADEX) on September 25, 2024.
On June 6, 2025, Pakistan introduced a bigger export package deal comprising 40 JF-17 Block III plane price $4.6 billion, constructing on the preliminary settlement. This transaction marks Pakistan’s largest recorded protection export and descriptions phased deliveries, pilot coaching and logistical help.
The November parade demonstrated the primary batch’s arrival, signalling fast implementation of the protection pact. Additional deliveries are anticipated in a number of phases, coordinated with coaching schedules and weapons integration to make sure full operational readiness.
Collectively developed by China’s Chengdu Plane Company (CAC) and Pakistan Aeronautical Complicated (PAC), the JF-17 Thunder is a fourth-generation, single-engine and multirole fighter designed to interchange older Mirage III/5, A-5C and F-7P plane. It has a service ceiling of roughly 16,900 metres, a prime velocity of Mach 1.8 and a most takeoff weight of 13,500 kilograms.
The plane carries as much as 1,500 kilograms of ordnance throughout eight hardpoints. Powered by the Klimov RD-93MA turbofan producing 91.2 kN of thrust, the Block III variant options an AESA radar (KLJ-7A), wide-angle holographic head-up show, helmet-mounted sight system, missile method warning sensors and a sophisticated digital fly-by-wire system.
It may possibly deploy PL-15E beyond-visual-range missiles, PL-10E short-range missiles, precision-guided bombs, anti-ship missiles and anti-radiation munitions. The dual-seat JF-17B serves as a conversion coach, outfitted with inside gasoline tanks within the vertical stabiliser and slight airframe modifications.
Manufacturing is break up between Pakistan and China, with 58 % of the airframe manufactured in Islamabad and 42 % in Beijing. Last meeting is carried out at PAC Kamra. Over 350 plane have been constructed for the reason that programme’s inception, with serial manufacturing in Pakistan beginning in 2008.
The annual capability at Kamra is round 20 plane, supporting each home and export prospects. Pakistan started Block III manufacturing in December 2020 and inducted the primary operational batch in March 2023. The plane now serves because the spine of the Pakistan Air Power, with greater than 160 in service, and has already been exported to Myanmar, Nigeria and Azerbaijan.
For Azerbaijan, the JF-17 Block III brings a transformative enhance to its airpower. The plane’s AESA radar, long-range missile compatibility and built-in digital warfare suite improve situational consciousness and fight attain. The dual-seat variant will prepare pilots and facilitate the transition to single-seat fighters.
Preliminary basing is predicted at Nasosnaya Air Base, integrating seamlessly with current fighter infrastructure. Over time, the JF-17 will help air-defense, ground-attack and precision strike missions, strengthening Azerbaijan’s potential to conduct joint operations and enhancing regional deterrence capabilities.