Pakistan inks historic deal with Azerbaijan for the purchase of JF-17 «Thunder» fighters

Pakistan strikes landmark $1.6 billion defense deal with Azerbaijan involving the purchase of JF-17 «Thunder» fighter jets and their armament.

Azeri media reported that the $1.6 billion deal includes the purchase of an unspecified number of JF-17C Block-III fighters from Pakistan, plus advanced air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons, logistical support and training of Azerbaijani military personnel who will operate the aircraft.

If we take as a reference the rumored price of the JF-17 Block III offer to Argentina, around USD 50 million, Azerbaijan could have acquired a 20 or more fighters, allocating the rest of the money to the acquisition of guided weapons and the costs related to the operation and maintenance of the new fleet of fighters.

With this, Azerbaijan becomes the third largest export customer of the «Thunder», after Myanmar and Nigeria, and the second largest operator of the model, after the Pakistan Air Force itself.

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The JF-17s are likely to replace the dozen aging MiG-29 fighters that make up the Azerbaijani Air Force’s main air-to-air capability. The aircraft will be able to carry guided weaponry of Pakistani, Chinese and Turkish origin.