Azerbaijan buys Pakistani fighter jet

Azerbaijan has become the third country to procure the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet from Pakistan, with reports that Iraq is also considering purchasing it. 

Reportedly, a USD 1.6 billion has been signed between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, and the JF-17 Thunder has already been inducted into the armed forces of Azerbaijan. 

JF-17 Block III, developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, showcases advanced avionics, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar and long-range missile capabilities.

It is a lightweight, single-engine, multi-role fighter jet, designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground operations and is known for its high maneuverability at medium and low altitudes.

The JF-17 can be used for multiple roles, including interception, ground attack, anti-ship, and aerial reconnaissance. 

Powered by the Russian Klimov RD-93 turbofan engines, it has a top speed of Mach 1.6 and was designed to succeed the F-16 in Pakistan's air force arsenal. 

Notably, the JF17 Thunder saw military action with Operation Swift Retort, where one Mig 21 Bison and one Su 30MKI were shot down over Kashmir in 2019 by the Indian Air Force. 

The JF17 Thunder Block III variant sold to Azerbaijan houses the more advanced and more powerful Russian Klimov RD-93 MA engine.