1.6 billion U.S. military sales reached! Pakistan exports Thunder fighter jets to Azerbaijan

Mondo Military Updated on 2024-02-23

According to an exclusive from Air News Group, an unprecedented Pakistani air complex and Azerbaijan's air force have signed an unprecedented ** contract in recent days. In this deal, Azerbaijan's air force will provide up to $1.6 billion worth of funds for the purchase of JF-17Cblock 3 Thunder. This agreement not only involves the purchase of fighter planes, but also involves training, arms and other aspects, reflecting the depth and breadth of the military aspects between the two countries.

This landmark cooperation not only deepens the bilateral ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, but is also another highlight of the "Thunder" fighter to the world. The Air Force of Azerbaijan, which was once a Russian air force that was not returned to the USSR, now begins a new page in its air power. Despite the fact that most of its main fighters, such as the Soviet ones, are outdated, its best 15 MiG-29 A UB fighters are also beginning to show signs of obsolescence. Although Azerbaijan had an absolute upper hand in the Nagorno-Karabakh War, the aircraft of the Azerbaijani Air Force were difficult to come in handy, because the Armenian aircraft were more sophisticated, and the Su-30 SM heavy fighters, therefore, the TB-2 was the main combat force on the battlefield.

To this end, Azerbaijan has long developed a plan to speed up the upgrading of its air force equipment, and has carefully selected MG-35 and "Thunder" fighters from its limited defense budget to replace its possible fighters. Finally, due to its excellent performance and fair price, the JF-17Cblock 3 "Thunder" has been recognized by the Azerbaijani Air Force.

The JF-17Cblock3 "Thunder" fighter is a new, lightweight, and versatile fighter, and its overall combat capability is the best of all aircraft. Although it does not have the best capabilities, its electronics, electronic equipment and equipment have reached the level of the fifth generation fighter. The fighter is equipped with an enhanced over-the-horizon and large off-axis infrared missile, which allows the pilot to strike for a longer period of time and with a wide line of sight. In addition, the J-17C is also equipped with ultrasonic anti-ship and long-range guided artillery shells, which greatly improves the strength of ground and sea operations. In addition, the JF-17C is equipped with an advanced early warning system, as well as a series of electronic warfare equipment with extremely strong detection and disruption capabilities. In addition, the aircraft will be equipped with the same "helmet-mounted" display technology as the J-20, which is more advanced than the J-10CE and provides the driver with more direct and effective combat environment awareness.

At present, the Pakistan Air Force is planning a large aircraft to purchase the JF-17C series "Thunder" as the main object, with a total of 186 aircraft ordered. The purpose of this resolution is to gradually replace the existing old "Phantom" fighters, and it is hoped that the "Thunder" will be the main force of the country. This decision not only shows Pakistan's resolute attitude in developing air power, but also shows confidence and high praise for the "Thunder" fighter.

Since the "Thunder" fighter entered service, the Pakistan Air Force has always been very confident in its capabilities, and has sent it to participate in various military exercises on several occasions, and has been on the same stage as the four-and-a-half-generation F-15SA and "Typhoon" fighters, constantly demonstrating its excellent performance and combat capabilities. After a number of actual combat exercises, the "Thunder" fighter has proven its ability to compete with world-class fighters, which is a great confidence for the Pakistan Air Force.

Azerbaijan's final decision to use the Thunder fighter for its future air strength is entirely based on a deep understanding of and complete trust in its capabilities. The Pakistani side provided a detailed report, and judging by the actual situation, the Azerbaijanis are confident that the Thunder fighters played very well in the contest with the Su-30 MKI fighters and did not fall into disadvantage. It is precisely for this reason that they chose the "Thunder" fighter as the first consideration against the Armenian Su-30 SM fighter in the future. Although the "Thunder" is inferior to the Su-30 in some performance such as range, bomb load and speed, its reconnaissance ability and diversity are not worse than it. Under the conditions of modern air warfare, it is no longer just high-speed maneuvering that determines the success or failure of a war, but radar and missiles. This is the strength of the "Thunder Dragon" fighter, its advanced early warning system and various combinations make it the most powerful weapon on the battlefield.

Analysts unanimously agreed that the signed export contract not only shows Pakistan's strong strength in the aviation industry, but also the "Thunder" has gained more attention and recognition around the world. In the process of continuous updating and improvement, the "Thunder" fighter will enhance its comprehensive capability, and the confidence it has displayed in participating in various military exercises and defense exhibitions will also make it gain more praise.

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