Foreword:
In recent years, the "Thunder" fighter has performed brilliantly on the international stage, from the successful development of foreign trade markets in many countries, to the launch of the "Thunder" Block 3, and then to the high praise of Turkey, Iraq, Japan and other countries, this series of dynamics shows the potential market attractiveness and fighter performance of the "Thunder". On December 25, Pakistan revealed that it was negotiating with a new customer and planned to sell eight JF-17C Lightning, namely the "Thunder" Block 3 fighter, indicating that the "Thunder" ushered in a fourth customer. While the Pakistani side did not disclose the identity of the customer, it stressed that it is an Islamic country with which it has close defense cooperation, which has sparked speculation about the buyers, the two most likely being Turkey and Azerbaijan.
1. Potential customers: Turkey's hesitation and Azerbaijan's possibility.
There have been reports from Turkey that Turkey is considering buying the Thunder, but due to political pressure and European contradictions, Turkey is less likely to buy Western fighters. Turkey had sought to buy Typhoon fighters, but was thwarted by German opposition. Even if the political contradictions ease, since Turkey is a member of NATO, there are still considerable political obstacles to the purchase of "Thunder" fighters of Chinese origin. Therefore, the probability of the Turkish Air Force choosing the Thunder 3 is relatively low. On the other hand, Azerbaijan's close relations with China and Pakistan and its long history of cooperation in military equipment make it a potential buyer of Thunder fighters.
2. Azerbaijan's military needs and Pakistan's basis for cooperation.
The close relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan are reflected in the political and military spheres. Pakistan is the first country to recognize Azerbaijan's status, and the two countries have taken the same position on many international issues, especially on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, and Pakistan has always supported Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has purchased MFI-395 junior trainer aircraft from Pakistan, and the foundations for cooperation between the two countries in the field of aviation have already been laid. In recent years, Turkey, Pakistan and Azerbaijan have also moved in the direction of the alliance by jointly holding a special forces exercise called "Three Brothers-2021", which shows the close relationship between the three countries.
3. Azerbaijan's military needs and the advantages of the "Thunder" 3.
The Azerbaijani Air Force urgently needs to update aging fighters, and the current main MiG-29S fighters have been in service for more than 30 years, and the technical level is relatively lagging behind. Due to the relatively cold relations with the West, the cost of purchasing expensive Western fighters is high. And in the face of international sanctions against Russian fighters, it is difficult for Azerbaijan to buy Russian fighters. In this case, the Thunder 3 has become almost the most realistic option for Azerbaijan. Its airborne active phased array radar has excellent performance, and its detection range of fighters is significantly better than that of the MiG-29S, and it is equipped with domestic PL-15E medium and long-range air-to-air missiles, and its range far exceeds that of the R-77-1 used in the MiG-29S. Considering the relatively low cost and good performance of the Thunder 3, the introduction of the Thunder 3 will be a timely rain for the Azerbaijani Air Force.
Fourth, the international market position of "Xiaolong" 3.
As a light fighter, the "Thunder" fighter is unique in the international market. Compared with competitors such as the expensive Gripen E, the unsatisfactory LCA, and combat trainers such as the FA-50, it has successfully attracted international customers with its excellent performance and cost performance. This also gives the "Thunder" 3 a favorable position in the competition with medium fighters such as the F-16 and MiG-35. Considering the original intention of the original research and development of "Xiaolong", the wise vision and grand pattern of the first workers have been reflected, and the current market pattern is also contrasting with the original foresight.
Conclusion: The re-acquisition of new customers for the Thunder 3 fighter shows its excellent performance and well-recognized performance in the international market. As a potential buyer, Azerbaijan not only has close military cooperation with China and Pakistan, but also seeks to introduce modern fighter jets to enhance its military capabilities in terms of military needs. With the introduction of the Thunder 3, the Azerbaijani Air Force is expected to solve the problem of old fighters and improve its ability to confront Armenia and other adversaries. This new transaction will further consolidate the position of the "Thunder" in the light fighter market and demonstrate the emerging strength of the Chinese industry in the international arms trade.