Islamabad: During his recent visit to Pakistan, H.E Mr Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, was introduced to the advanced combat capabilities and versatile employment options of the JF-17 BLOCK-III fighter aircraft. Following this visit, at the request of the Azerbaijani government, Pakistan deployed a contingent of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to Baku to participate in the ADEX-2024, showcasing the aerial prowess and static display of the JF-17 Thunder Block-III.

According to Inter Services Public Relations, the deployment involved the JF-17 carrying out air-to-air refueling from a PAF Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, which demonstrated the long-haul capability and reach of the PAF’s fighter jet by deploying in a single hop to Baku, Azerbaijan. During the event, President Aliyev visited the static display of the JF-17 BLOCK-III and later witnessed an impressive aerial demonstration of the aircraft, which highlighted the agility and maneuverability of the fighter jet alongside the professional competence of PAF pilots.

The JF-17 Thunder Block-III is equipped with an AESA radar and Long Range BVR, categorizing it as a 4.5 generation multi-role fighter aircraft capable of undertaking a wide array of combat missions. These capabilities provide contemporary airpower employment options, thus strengthening the national security paradigm of Azerbaijan.

President Aliyev expressed that the support extended by Pakistan through this deployment would significantly contribute to consolidating the existing military cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. This gesture is expected to foster closer defense collaboration and strengthen the warm brotherly ties between the two nations.