Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense has recently increased its order for JF-17 Thunder light multirole fighter jets from 16 to 40 units. The deal, valued at approximately $4.2 billion, involves the acquisition of the advanced Block III version of the JF-17 series—a 4.5-generation fighter jointly developed by Pakistan and China. According to Defense Arabic, if finalized, Azerbaijan would become the largest export customer for the JF-17 Thunder series.

This agreement would also mark the largest fighter aircraft export deal in Pakistan’s history, surpassing previous sales to Nigeria and Myanmar.

The JF-17 Thunder, also known as the FC-1 Xiaolong, is a multirole, single-engine fighter aircraft developed collaboratively by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC). The JF-17 continues to evolve, with ongoing upgrades focused on avionics, weapons integration, and operational capabilities. Its affordability and versatility make it an attractive option for nations seeking to modernize their air forces without the high costs associated with Western fourth-generation fighters.