Azerbaijan shifts allegiance: Opts for JF‑17 Thunder jets
Azerbaijan, traditionally a purchaser of Russian weapons, has opted to acquire 40 Chinese-Pakistani JF-17 Thunder aircraft. We explore the reasons for this shift and highlight the performance of these aircraft.
In recent decades, Azerbaijan has sourced weapons from various countries. The USSR, and later Russia, were significant suppliers. However, there has been a noticeable increase in orders from Turkey, including Bayraktar TB2 drones, and anti-tank weapons from Israel.
After the war in Ukraine began, Azerbaijan stopped purchasing from Russia. For instance, the new self-propelled artillery system will be the Czech DITA 155 mm. Azerbaijan now aims to replace its Russian MiG-29 and Su-25 aircraft with new models. Following an agreement for a small number of Pakistani-Chinese JF-17s in September 2024, a contract was signed for an additional 40 aircraft worth 4.6 billion dollars. The contract was announced on Facebook by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
JF-17 Thunder — an option for countries avoiding Russian, US, or European influence
The development of the JF-17 Thunder began around the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the first prototype flying in 2003. Serial production commenced in 2007, and Pakistan has already produced 150 units.
Additionally, these aircraft have been sold to the air forces of Myanmar, Nigeria, and Iraq. The recent clash between India and Pakistan brought further attention to this design. The JF-17 is a strong option for countries looking to reduce reliance on Russia or avoid aligning politically with the US or Europe.
JF-17 Thunder — a lightweight and efficient jet fighter from China
The JF-17 Thunder measures over 46 feet in length, with a wingspan of 31 feet, and a takeoff weight of 30,000 pounds. In comparison, the F-16C Block 50 in a similar configuration weighs over 42,000 pounds. The JF-17 achieves a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, powered by a single RD-93 engine, and can carry up to 8,000 pounds of weapons on eight pylons.
The aircraft is also equipped with a modern radar featuring an active electronically scanned array (AESA) and offers a wide array of modern weaponry. This includes guided bombs weighing up to 2,000 pounds, anti-ship missiles, and air-to-air missiles. In the latter category, a particularly dangerous weapon, as the Indians have seen, is the PL-15 missile.
