Azerbaijan confirms the delivery of five JF-17 Block III fighter jets from Pakistan
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Azerbaijan has officially confirmed the arrival of five Pakistani JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter aircraft into its Air Force during the November 8, 2025, Victory Day parade in Baku.
On November 8, 2025, the Office of the President of Azerbaijan confirmed that five JF-17 Block III fighters from Pakistan have entered active service with the Azerbaijan Air Force and Air Defence Force. The aircraft, including four single-seat and one twin-seat variant, were displayed publicly for the first time during the Victory Day parade in Baku. Their appearance confirmed the official transfer and operational status of the jets within Azerbaijan’s defense inventory.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
During the parade, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif confirmed the delivery of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to the Azerbaijan Air Force, describing them as a symbol of the growing cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. (Picture source: Azerbaijan Presidency)
During the Victory Day parade, held in Baku on November 8, 2025, four single-seat and one twin-seat JF-17 fighters performed a flying wedge formation over the capital, marking the first public appearance of the aircraft in Azerbaijani service. The backseat occupant of the lead twin-seat aircraft was identified as Colonel Novruz Tahirov of the Azerbaijan Air Force, recognized by the insignia visible on his flight uniform. The aircraft participating in the flypast carried no visible national markings, which indicated a transitional stage prior to full operational assignment. Their participation confirmed that the aircraft had already been transferred to Azerbaijani control, making Azerbaijan the fourth operator of the JF-17 after Pakistan, Myanmar, and Nigeria.
The aircraft observed over Baku corresponded to the same JF-17 Block III airframes that had previously arrived in Azerbaijan in October for joint exercises with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). During those exercises, all five aircraft bore Pakistani national flags, serial numbers, and roundels on their fuselage and wings. Before their appearance in the parade, these markings were removed while the serial numbers remained visible on the tail and fuselage, confirming the aircraft’s transition to Azerbaijani ownership. One aircraft, identified by serial number 24-322, was documented both in footage of the aircraft’s arrival in full PAF markings and during the parade without them, verifying it as one of the same airframes. Other serial numbers were also visible but not clearly legible in the available footage. The inclusion of a two-seat variant suggested an initial emphasis on training and conversion operations alongside active service deployment. The Victory Day flypast, therefore, served as both a ceremonial presentation and an operational signal of entry into service.
The induction followed an extensive series of bilateral defense agreements. On 22 February 2024, Azerbaijan signed a $1.6 billion contract with Pakistan for the purchase of JF-17 Block III multirole fighters, covering aircraft, training, and ordnance. A JF-17 Block III was later displayed to the Azerbaijani leadership during the Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX) on 25 September 2024. On 6 June 2025, Pakistan’s government announced a larger export package involving forty JF-17 Block III aircraft valued at $4.6 billion, expanding upon the initial agreement. This transaction constituted Pakistan’s largest recorded defense export and established a framework for phased deliveries, logistical support, and pilot training. The parade appearance in November demonstrated that the initial batch had already been transferred, indicating rapid implementation of the bilateral arrangement. The deliveries are expected to continue in multiple phases, synchronized with training schedules and weapons integration timelines, ensuring that the aircraft achieve operational readiness consistent with Azerbaijan’s modernization objectives.
The JF-17 Thunder, jointly developed by the Chinese Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), is a fourth-generation, lightweight, single-engine multirole combat aircraft co-developed to replace older Mirage III/5, A-5C, and F-7P aircraft. The aircraft has a service ceiling of approximately 16,900 meters, a top speed of Mach 1.8, and a maximum takeoff weight of 13,500 kilograms. It can carry up to 3,400 pounds (1,500 kilograms) of ordnance across eight hardpoints. Powered by the Klimov RD-93MA turbofan producing 91.2 kN of thrust, the Block III variant incorporates an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar designated KLJ-7A, a wide-angle holographic head-up display, helmet-mounted display and sight system, missile approach warning sensors, and an improved digital fly-by-wire control system. It can be equipped with Chinese-origin PL-15E beyond-visual-range missiles and PL-10E within-visual-range missiles, as well as precision-guided bombs, anti-ship missiles, and anti-radiation missiles. The twin-seat JF-17B variant also serves for conversion training and lead-in fighter instruction, featuring internal fuel tanks in the vertical stabilizer and a slightly modified airframe design.
Production responsibilities are divided between Pakistan and China, with 58 percent of the airframe manufactured in Pakistan and 42 percent in China, while final assembly is performed at PAC Kamra. Over 350 aircraft have been built since the program’s inception, with serial production in Pakistan beginning in 2008. Annual production capacity at PAC Kamra is approximately twenty aircraft, supporting both domestic use and export customers. Pakistan began producing Block III aircraft in December 2020 and inducted its first operational batch in March 2023. The JF-17 serves as the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force, with more than 160 aircraft in service. Export users include Myanmar, Nigeria, and now Azerbaijan, confirming its growing international footprint. The aircraft has seen combat operations in Pakistan, Nigeria, and Myanmar, providing a record of multirole utility and sustained maintenance cycles. Azerbaijan’s order extends production stability and aligns with PAC’s broader export-oriented manufacturing strategy.
For Azerbaijan, the integration of the JF-17 Block III represents a significant enhancement of its airpower capabilities, complementing existing MiG-29 fighters (some of which may actually be operated by Ukraine) and Su-25 ground-attack aircraft. The aircraft’s AESA radar, long-range BVR missile compatibility, and integrated electronic warfare suite provide improved situational awareness and engagement range over previous platforms. The twin-seat variant will facilitate training for Azerbaijani pilots and serve as a transition platform to the single-seat models. Initial basing is expected at Nasosnaya Air Base, aligning with Azerbaijan’s existing fighter infrastructure. The introduction of these aircraft forms part of Baku’s wider defense modernization process aimed at increasing operational readiness and regional deterrence capacity. Over time, the JF-17 is expected to assume both air-defense and ground-attack roles, with precision strike capability extending Azerbaijan’s ability to conduct joint operations across multiple domains
Written by Jérôme Brahy
Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.
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Azerbaijan has officially confirmed the arrival of five Pakistani JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter aircraft into its Air Force during the November 8, 2025, Victory Day parade in Baku.
On November 8, 2025, the Office of the President of Azerbaijan confirmed that five JF-17 Block III fighters from Pakistan have entered active service with the Azerbaijan Air Force and Air Defence Force. The aircraft, including four single-seat and one twin-seat variant, were displayed publicly for the first time during the Victory Day parade in Baku. Their appearance confirmed the official transfer and operational status of the jets within Azerbaijan’s defense inventory.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
During the parade, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif confirmed the delivery of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to the Azerbaijan Air Force, describing them as a symbol of the growing cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. (Picture source: Azerbaijan Presidency)
During the Victory Day parade, held in Baku on November 8, 2025, four single-seat and one twin-seat JF-17 fighters performed a flying wedge formation over the capital, marking the first public appearance of the aircraft in Azerbaijani service. The backseat occupant of the lead twin-seat aircraft was identified as Colonel Novruz Tahirov of the Azerbaijan Air Force, recognized by the insignia visible on his flight uniform. The aircraft participating in the flypast carried no visible national markings, which indicated a transitional stage prior to full operational assignment. Their participation confirmed that the aircraft had already been transferred to Azerbaijani control, making Azerbaijan the fourth operator of the JF-17 after Pakistan, Myanmar, and Nigeria.
The aircraft observed over Baku corresponded to the same JF-17 Block III airframes that had previously arrived in Azerbaijan in October for joint exercises with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). During those exercises, all five aircraft bore Pakistani national flags, serial numbers, and roundels on their fuselage and wings. Before their appearance in the parade, these markings were removed while the serial numbers remained visible on the tail and fuselage, confirming the aircraft’s transition to Azerbaijani ownership. One aircraft, identified by serial number 24-322, was documented both in footage of the aircraft’s arrival in full PAF markings and during the parade without them, verifying it as one of the same airframes. Other serial numbers were also visible but not clearly legible in the available footage. The inclusion of a two-seat variant suggested an initial emphasis on training and conversion operations alongside active service deployment. The Victory Day flypast, therefore, served as both a ceremonial presentation and an operational signal of entry into service.
The induction followed an extensive series of bilateral defense agreements. On 22 February 2024, Azerbaijan signed a $1.6 billion contract with Pakistan for the purchase of JF-17 Block III multirole fighters, covering aircraft, training, and ordnance. A JF-17 Block III was later displayed to the Azerbaijani leadership during the Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX) on 25 September 2024. On 6 June 2025, Pakistan’s government announced a larger export package involving forty JF-17 Block III aircraft valued at $4.6 billion, expanding upon the initial agreement. This transaction constituted Pakistan’s largest recorded defense export and established a framework for phased deliveries, logistical support, and pilot training. The parade appearance in November demonstrated that the initial batch had already been transferred, indicating rapid implementation of the bilateral arrangement. The deliveries are expected to continue in multiple phases, synchronized with training schedules and weapons integration timelines, ensuring that the aircraft achieve operational readiness consistent with Azerbaijan’s modernization objectives.
The JF-17 Thunder, jointly developed by the Chinese Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), is a fourth-generation, lightweight, single-engine multirole combat aircraft co-developed to replace older Mirage III/5, A-5C, and F-7P aircraft. The aircraft has a service ceiling of approximately 16,900 meters, a top speed of Mach 1.8, and a maximum takeoff weight of 13,500 kilograms. It can carry up to 3,400 pounds (1,500 kilograms) of ordnance across eight hardpoints. Powered by the Klimov RD-93MA turbofan producing 91.2 kN of thrust, the Block III variant incorporates an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar designated KLJ-7A, a wide-angle holographic head-up display, helmet-mounted display and sight system, missile approach warning sensors, and an improved digital fly-by-wire control system. It can be equipped with Chinese-origin PL-15E beyond-visual-range missiles and PL-10E within-visual-range missiles, as well as precision-guided bombs, anti-ship missiles, and anti-radiation missiles. The twin-seat JF-17B variant also serves for conversion training and lead-in fighter instruction, featuring internal fuel tanks in the vertical stabilizer and a slightly modified airframe design.
Production responsibilities are divided between Pakistan and China, with 58 percent of the airframe manufactured in Pakistan and 42 percent in China, while final assembly is performed at PAC Kamra. Over 350 aircraft have been built since the program’s inception, with serial production in Pakistan beginning in 2008. Annual production capacity at PAC Kamra is approximately twenty aircraft, supporting both domestic use and export customers. Pakistan began producing Block III aircraft in December 2020 and inducted its first operational batch in March 2023. The JF-17 serves as the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force, with more than 160 aircraft in service. Export users include Myanmar, Nigeria, and now Azerbaijan, confirming its growing international footprint. The aircraft has seen combat operations in Pakistan, Nigeria, and Myanmar, providing a record of multirole utility and sustained maintenance cycles. Azerbaijan’s order extends production stability and aligns with PAC’s broader export-oriented manufacturing strategy.
For Azerbaijan, the integration of the JF-17 Block III represents a significant enhancement of its airpower capabilities, complementing existing MiG-29 fighters (some of which may actually be operated by Ukraine) and Su-25 ground-attack aircraft. The aircraft’s AESA radar, long-range BVR missile compatibility, and integrated electronic warfare suite provide improved situational awareness and engagement range over previous platforms. The twin-seat variant will facilitate training for Azerbaijani pilots and serve as a transition platform to the single-seat models. Initial basing is expected at Nasosnaya Air Base, aligning with Azerbaijan’s existing fighter infrastructure. The introduction of these aircraft forms part of Baku’s wider defense modernization process aimed at increasing operational readiness and regional deterrence capacity. Over time, the JF-17 is expected to assume both air-defense and ground-attack roles, with precision strike capability extending Azerbaijan’s ability to conduct joint operations across multiple domains
Written by Jérôme Brahy
Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.
