Azerbaijan will procure JF17 Thunder aircraft from Pakistan, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Thursday.

It said as part of Pakistan’s efforts to enhance defence cooperation with friendly countries, a contract for the sale of JF17 BlockIII fighter aircraft to bolster airpower capabilities of Azerbaijan has been recently signed.

The statement said that during his recent visit to Pakistan, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev was briefed on the combat capabilities and versatile employment options of JF17 BLOCKIII fighter aircraft.

It said pursuant to President Ilham Aliyev’s visit and on request of Government of Azerbaijan, Pakistan deployed PAF contingent at Baku to participate in ADEX2024 showcasing the aerial prowess and static display of Pride of Pakistan JF17 Thunder BlockIII.

During deployment, JF17 carried out Air to Air Refueling from PAF Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft deploying in a single hop to Baku, demonstrating long haul capability and reach of the PAF’s fighter jet, the ISPR said.

It said President Ilham Aliyev visited the static display of JF17 BLOCKIII and later witnessed an enthralling aerial demonstration of JF17 Thunder, showcasing the agility and maneuverability of the fighter jet alongside the professional competence of PAF pilots.

The statement said JF17 Thunder BlockIII is an AESA Radar and Long Range BVR equipped 4.5 generation MultiRole fighter aircraft which is capable of undertaking wide array of combat missions providing contemporary airpower employment options thus strengthening the National Security Paradigm of Azerbaijan.

It said Ilham Aliyev expressed that the support extended by Pakistan would go a long way in consolidating the existing military cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, fostering closer defence collaboration and strengthening the warm brotherly ties between the two nations.