PAF JF-17 Block III Jets Land in Azerbaijan for bilateral air combat exercise

In a significant demonstration of operational excellence and deepening defense ties, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has deployed its most advanced fighter jets, the JF-17 Thunder Block III, to Azerbaijan for the Indus Shield Alpha bilateral air combat exercise, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Sunday.

The deployment marks a major milestone in regional military cooperation, with the JF-17 jets making a direct, non-stop flight from Pakistan to Azerbaijan. During this journey, the jets successfully executed mid-air refueling, highlighting the PAF’s advanced operational capabilities and endurance for extended missions. This operation underscores Pakistan’s growing ability to project airpower in the region and enhance interoperability with Azerbaijan’s air force.

The JF-17 Block III is a state-of-the-art fighter developed jointly by Pakistan and China. With advanced avionics, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile capabilities, the JF-17 is regarded as one of the most formidable fighter jets in the region.

The Indus Shield Alpha exercise is aimed at enhancing joint air combat training, tactical coordination, and real-time operational integration between the air forces of Pakistan and Azerbaijan. This exercise also serves as a symbol of the strengthening defense relationship between the two nations.

This deployment comes in the wake of growing political and diplomatic momentum. Earlier this week, high-level parliamentary delegations from Azerbaijan and Türkiye visited Lahore for the Third Trilateral Meeting of Speakers of the Parliaments of Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan, where they issued a joint declaration on regional security and defense cooperation.

During the meeting, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, who hosted Turkish Grand National Assembly Speaker Prof Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş and Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova, emphasized the unity between the three countries, describing it as “an unbreakable bond of brotherhood, friendship, and love.” He called for expanded cooperation across all sectors, including defense.

The trilateral discussions also focused on regional security, with all three nations reaffirming support for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Azerbaijani Speaker Sahiba Gafarova expressed her gratitude for Pakistan’s consistent backing, particularly during the 44-day war, while Turkish Speaker Kurtulmuş proclaimed, “Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan are three states but one nation.”

This bilateral exercise further strengthens the strategic solidarity between the three countries, reinforcing their shared commitment to regional stability and defense cooperation.