Pakistan’s JF-17 fighter jets arrive in Azerbaijan for joint air exercise

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Pakistan Air Force (PAF) JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets, accompanied by air and ground crew, have arrived in Azerbaijan to take part in a bilateral aerial combat exercise, Islamabad said on Sunday.

The exercise, dubbed “Indus Shield Alpha,” aims to enhance mutual understanding, tactical coordination, and interoperability between the air forces of Pakistan and Azerbaijan, according to a statement from Pakistan’s army media wing.

The drill will focus on modern aerial warfare tactics, joint mission planning, and execution in an environment shaped by rapid technological change and evolving airpower dynamics, the statement added.

The JF-17 Thunder Block-III is a multirole, 4.5-generation fighter jet jointly developed by Pakistan and China. The PAF inducted the Block-II dual-seat variant in 2020 and commenced local production shortly thereafter.

This year’s exercise highlights the Block-III variant, which has reportedly been deployed alongside Chinese-made J-10C jets in recent Pakistan-India hostilities.

Pakistan regularly participates in bilateral and multinational air exercises, showcasing its growing aerial capabilities and strengthening military cooperation.

Last year, the PAF conducted Exercise Indus Shield 2024, its largest multinational air drill, which included participation from 24 countries.