Azerbaijani media reports that Azerbaijan is set to receive its first batch of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan in the near future, with potential plans for joint production down the line, according to Information Minister Atta Tarar. The announcement was made via Pakisani media house Samaa TV. Interestingly, in 2023 Myanmar military junta has declared the JF-17 Thunder fighter planes supplied by Pakistan as unfit for operations

Tarar also revealed that discussions on Azerbaijan’s investment in Pakistan are in their final stages. The agreements are expected to be finalized and signed during Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Islamabad in April.

The growing defense collaboration was further emphasized by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Business Forum held in Baku on February 24. Attending alongside President Aliyev, Sharif said there’s a need to elevate strategic defense relations between the two countries to a higher level.

“This is the time for Pakistan and Azerbaijan, who already share strong strategic defense ties, to enhance their cooperation significantly. Joint defense production is a key area of focus, and both sides are fully committed to this goal. When the Azerbaijani delegation visits Pakistan in April, this will be among the top priorities for discussions,” he stated.

Sharif highlighted the JF-17 Thunder as a critical aspect of Pakistan-Azerbaijan defense cooperation. On September 25, 2024, Pakistan’s JF-17C (Block III) fighters were showcased to the Azerbaijani president, reaffirming their importance in Azerbaijan’s military arsenal.

A joint project between the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, the JF-17C (Block III) is the latest iteration of the fighter jet. It is equipped with advanced radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and can carry up to eight missiles of varying types.

Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense had previously signed a contract with the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex for the purchase of JF-17C fighters. The agreement, valued at $1.6 billion, includes not only the aircraft but also ammunition supplies and pilot training programs.

As per a report in 2023, multi-role fighter planes, JF-17 Thunder, supplied to Myanmar by Pakistan were declared unfit and the military junta has sent a “stern message” to Islamabad to answer for the mess, Myanmar-based Narinjara News had reported citing sources. Albeit now Pakistan is pitching JF-17 to Bangladesh. According to The Express Tribune on January 16, 2025, Bangladesh may be interested in the JF-17 Thunder.