Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder Block III Enters Service with Azerbaijan, Strengthening Strategic Defence Ties

BAKU / ISLAMABAD - In a significant milestone for Pakistan's defence industry, the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) indigenously co-developed JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets have officially entered service with Azerbaijan, following the delivery of the first batch of aircraft under a landmark defence agreement.

Pakistan’s PAC JF-17 Thunder Block III has now entered service with Azerbaijan too 🇦🇿🇵🇰

Azerbaijan has released a video of its latest JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets, provided by Pakistan under a historic defence deal.

This is the same jet that destroyed India’s S-400. pic.twitter.com/BuR0b42pyh

- Zard si Gana (@ZardSi) July 6, 2026

Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence has released official footage showcasing its newly acquired JF-17C (Block III) fighter jets conducting flight training, confirming that the advanced multi-role combat aircraft are now fully operational within the Azerbaijan Air Force. The video, released earlier this month, shows the aircraft - sporting Azerbaijani markings - performing takeoff and static display exercises, marking their formal induction into the country's arsenal.

A Historic Defence Deal

The induction follows the signing of a historic defence agreement between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in June 2025, valued at approximately **$4.6 billion**, for the supply of 40 JF-17 Block III aircraft. The deal, which represents Pakistan's largest-ever defence export, also includes an investment of $2 billion earmarked for joint industrial projects, infrastructure development, and potential local production of the aircraft in Azerbaijan.

Initial deliveries took place in October 2025, with a PAF contingent flying the jets to Azerbaijan for the bilateral aerial exercise Indus Shield Alpha. The aircraft were subsequently formally transferred to the Azerbaijan Air Force, as confirmed by their participation in the nation's Victory Day parade on November 8, 2025.

The Same Jet That Neutralized India's S-400

The JF-17 Thunder Block III is the most advanced iteration of the platform co-developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation. It is equipped with cutting-edge KLJ-7A Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems, and is capable of firing beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, making it a formidable 4.5-generation multi-role fighter.

The aircraft's battlefield credentials are formidable. According to multiple defence reports and official PAF statements, the JF-17 Thunder Block III played a pivotal role during the May 2025 conflict with India, successfully destroying an Indian S-400 air defence system in Adampur using supersonic missiles. This operational performance, widely reported as the "Marka-e-Haq" campaign, has reinforced the jet's reputation as a highly capable and cost-effective fighter. It also played a key role in shooting down several Indian fighter jets during the engagement.

Strengthening Pakistan-Azerbaijan Defence Ties

Beyond the delivery of the jets, the defence partnership extends to training and logistical support, with Pakistani pilots and technicians providing comprehensive training to their Azerbaijani counterparts. The growing military collaboration is part of Pakistan's expanding defence export strategy and its deepening strategic relationship with Azerbaijan, which also includes joint military exercises and high-level diplomatic engagements.

Azerbaijan's decision to acquire the JF-17 Block III is aimed at modernizing its air force to maintain regional defence superiority, reducing its reliance on Russian-made aircraft while gaining access to modern radar and precision-strike capabilities.