The first batch of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets will be purchased by Azerbaijan from Pakistan, and plans for future collaborative manufacture are being discussed. Atta Tarar, the minister of information, made this announcement in an interview with a private news outlet.
He emphasised the strong desire of President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan to increase defence cooperation with Pakistan. Azerbaijan has promised to invest $2 billion in Pakistan to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries in addition to military ties.
Tarar claims that negotiations over Azerbaijan’s investment are nearing completion and that agreements will be inked when President Aliyev visits Islamabad in April. A $2 billion investment deal may be finalised in as little as one month, he added.
Both nations signed a number of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements during the visit, including:
Modifications to the framework for LNG trade between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
Developments to improve energy connectivity in the White Oil Pipeline Project.
Read more: Azerbaijan buys JF-17 Block-III fighter jets from Pakistan in $1.6 billion deal
The designation of Lahore, Pakistan, and Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan, as twin cities in order to foster closer cultural and economic relations.
In an effort to strengthen bilateral relationships, officials from both countries have urged companies to take advantage of new investment opportunities.
The acquisition of JF-17 Block III fighter jets by Azerbaijan from Pakistan is likely to have several implications for regional security:
- Enhanced Military Capabilities:
The JF-17 Block III is a modern, multi-role combat jet with advanced avionics and weaponry, which will significantly boost Azerbaijan’s air force capabilities. This enhancement could shift the military balance in the South Caucasus region, particularly in light of ongoing tensions with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh.
- Strategic Partnerships:
This deal strengthens the defense ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, potentially leading to further military cooperation and joint defense production. Such alliances can alter regional dynamics, as countries may seek to counterbalance these partnerships through their own alliances and military upgrades.
- Regional Tensions:
The introduction of advanced fighter jets into Azerbaijan’s arsenal may escalate tensions with neighboring countries, especially Armenia. This could lead to an arms race in the region, with neighboring states seeking to enhance their own military capabilities in response.
- Influence of External Powers:
The deal also highlights the influence of external powers like China, which is involved in the joint production of the JF-17. This could lead to increased geopolitical maneuvering in the region, as global powers seek to expand their influence through military and economic partnerships.
Overall, while the acquisition of JF-17s enhances Azerbaijan’s defense capabilities, it also introduces new complexities to the regional security landscape.