Azerbaijan signs billion-dollar deal for JF-17 Thunder jets with Pakistan

A $4.2 billion deal for the acquisition of JF-17 Thunder Block III aircraft, jointly produced by Pakistan and China, has reportedly been signed between Baku and Islamabad.

According to media reports, Azerbaijan is expanding its initial purchase of JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets, increasing the number from 16 to a striking 40 units.

In February 2024, Azerbaijan signed a $1.6 billion contract to acquire 16 JF-17 advanced multirole aircraft, which were reportedly delivered in September of the same year.

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Reports suggest that the deal marked a significant enhancement of Azerbaijan’s aerial capabilities and deepened its defence cooperation with Pakistan. The latest agreement positions Pakistan among Azerbaijan's top military suppliers, alongside Turkey, Russia, and Israel.

According to unconfirmed reports, as of 2025, over 160 JF-17s have been built. Approximately 145 are in operational service with Pakistan, while 16 have been delivered to Myanmar, Azerbaijan, and three to Niger.

While official confirmation from Baku and Islamabad remains pending, Dr Ahmad Shahidov, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Institute for Democracy and Human Rights and a journalist, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday to announce that a $4.2 billion deal for JF-17 Block III fighter jets between the two countries has been signed.

“Today marks more than just a military agreement. It’s a statement of brotherhood, trust, and a shared vision for the future. Azerbaijan and Pakistan, two brotherly nations, have come together to make our skies stronger, safer, and better equipped,” he wrote.

Shahidov further stated that the acquisition of JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets is not just an upgrade of the air fleet but “securing our people, safeguarding our homeland’s sovereignty, and standing tall in our region”.

“What makes this moment even prouder is that it was done hand-in-hand with our brothers in Pakistan. Through every trial and triumph, we have stood together — now, we soar together in the skies!” he added.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reaffirmed their shared commitment to diversifying the strategic partnership through investment in mutually beneficial areas, the Government of Pakistan (GOP) stated in a post on X on Tuesday.

During a pivotal bilateral meeting held in Lachin yesterday, the two leaders reportedly discussed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the growing political, economic, defence, and cultural cooperation between Islamabad and Baku.

The Prime Minister also thanked Azerbaijan for its unwavering support during the recent escalation between nuclear-armed neighbours Pakistan and India.