Azerbaijan strengthens military might with fighter jet acquisition

In a significant shift in the military dynamics of the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan has acquired 40 fourth-generation JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, marking Pakistan's largest defense export contract. Azerbaijani media reported in May 2025 that the initial deal value had escalated from $1.6 billion to around $4.2 billion, although this was not immediately confirmed by either government. This procurement includes the most advanced version, the JF-17C Block III, which boasts modern military technology such as active electronically scanned array radar. This shift is consequential not only for the military capabilities of Azerbaijan but also acts as a stark indicator of Armenia's deteriorating military position. Previously, Azerbaijan's air force consisted mainly of outdated MiG-29s and Su-25s. The new fleet of JF-17 fighters amplifies Azerbaijan’s air combat capabilities significantly and poses a severe threat to Armenia, which now finds itself vastly outnumbered and outgunned. The military upgrade follows Azerbaijan's recent successes in armed conflicts, including a lightning offensive in September 2023 which culminated in the capture of Nagorno-Karabakh, further displacing its Armenian inhabitants. The ongoing regional tensions suggest that Azerbaijan is taking advantage of Western sanctions on Russia, allowing it to enhance its military without reliance on traditional partners. Armenia perceives this fighter aircraft acquisition as a direct escalation, worsening its already weakened military framework. Despite attempts to negotiate peace, including a deal signed in March 2025, concerns linger regarding Azerbaijan's demands on Armenia for constitutional changes, impeding the actualization of that agreement. The threat of renewed conflict remains palpable, especially as Azerbaijan aims to create a land corridor from its Nakhchivan exclave through Armenia's Syunik province. In response, Armenia is likely to emphasize defense support from various countries, looking beyond its historical dependence on Russian military resources. Ongoing diversification of its defense partnerships with nations like France, India, and Iran may assist Armenia in countering Azerbaijan's growing military prowess and preparing for potential contingencies on the battlefield.