Azerbaijan diversifies defence with $4.6B JF‑17 jet deal
Azerbaijan shifts from Russian arms to Chinese-Pakistani jets with major JF-17 purchase. Traditionally, the buyer of Russian military hardware is now turning to new suppliers. The country has confirmed plans to purchase 40 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets jointly developed by China and Pakistan. Here's what’s behind the strategic pivot — and how the aircraft stacks up in terms of performance.
In recent decades, Azerbaijan has sourced weapons from various suppliers. Among the most significant were the USSR and later Russia, but in recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in orders from Turkey, including the Bayraktar TB2 drones and anti-tank weapons from Israel.
After the war in Ukraine began, Azerbaijanis stopped purchasing from Russia. For example, their new self-propelled artillery system will be the Czech DITA with a 155 mm calibre. Now, Azeris want to replace their Russian MiG-29 and Su-25 aircraft with other machines. Following a deal for a small number of Pakistani-Chinese JF-17s from September 2024, a contract was signed for an additional 40 machines for $4.6 billion. The contract was announced on Facebook by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
JF-17 Thunder — an option for countries unwilling to fall under the influence of Russia, the USA, or Europe
The development of the JF-17 Thunder started at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, and the first prototype took to the skies in 2003. Serial production began in 2007, and Pakistan has already produced 150 units.
Furthermore, these aircraft have been acquired by the air forces of Myanmar, Nigeria, and Iraq, and the recent conflict between India and Pakistan provided additional publicity for this design. It is an excellent choice for countries that no longer want to depend on Moscow or politically tie themselves with the USA or Europe.
JF-17 Thunder — a lightweight effective fighter from China
The JF-17 Thunder measures over 14 metres in length, has a wingspan of about 9.4 metres, and its take-off weight is about 13,600 kg. In comparison, the F-16C Block 50 in a similar configuration weighs over 19,000 kg. The JF-17 reaches a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, achieved through a single RD-93 engine and can carry up to 4,080 kg of weaponry on eight pylons.
Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with a modern active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and features a wide range of modern weaponry, including guided bombs weighing up to 900 kg, anti-ship missiles, and air-to-air missiles. In the latter category, the PL-15 missiles proved to be very formidable weapons, as the Indians could experience firsthand.
