BAKU, Azerbaijan — Azerbaijan has deployed its newly inducted JF-17 Block III multirole fighter aircraft to Türkiye for the first overseas exercise involving the country's new fighter fleet. The aircraft are taking part in the multinational "Guardians of the Skies" air exercise alongside Azerbaijani Su-25 ground attack aircraft, marking an important step in the operational integration of the country's latest combat jets.
The deployment was confirmed by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence (MoD) on July 6, which also released video footage showing the JF-17 Block III fighters in active service. The aircraft shown in the footage were two single-seat JF-17C Block III fighters carrying tactical numbers 24-501 and 24-502. They were seen taking off with three external fuel tanks and without carrying weapons.
Analysis of the footage indicates the aircraft were operating from Nasosnaya Air Base, which has recently undergone infrastructure improvements, including the construction of 16 new aircraft shelters. The video also showed additional JF-17 fighters parked nearby, along with Su-25 attack aircraft that are normally based at Kyurdamir Air Base.
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Deploys JF-17 Block III Fighters to Türkiye for First Overseas Exercise
— Global Defense Insight (@Defense_Talks) July 6, 2026
Azerbaijan has officially deployed its JF-17 Block III multirole fighter jets, alongside Su-25 ground attack aircraft, to Türkiye to participate in the "Guardians of the Skies" air exercise.… pic.twitter.com/ppIhBwqSTY
The pilots' flight patches identified the aircraft as the JF-17C Block III variant. The fighters were painted in a two-tone grey camouflage scheme and carried Azerbaijan's standard national markings. Visible external features included an in-flight refuelling probe and a zigzag lightning bolt painted below the cockpit.
The aircraft also displayed a "Jaguar" emblem and the word "Jaguar" in Latin script on their vertical tails, identifying the newly established squadron operating the fighters. The accompanying Su-25 aircraft carried a wolf graphic on their noses, representing the Su-25 Squadron.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the "Guardians of the Skies" exercise began with medical examinations for flight crews, followed by safety briefings and technical inspections of the participating aircraft before flight operations commenced.
The flying programme includes the JF-17C Block III, Su-25ML, Su-25, and L-39 training aircraft. During the exercise, pilots are conducting individual and formation flights, coordinated air operations, simulated combat missions, tactical manoeuvres, target identification and engagement, and missions designed to improve combat readiness and decision-making under different weather and tactical conditions.
The deployment represents the first international operational activity for Azerbaijan's JF-17 Block III fleet since the aircraft entered service. The fighters were first publicly displayed during Azerbaijan's Victory Day parade in November 2025, with training continuing as part of the country's air force modernization programme.
Azerbaijan became the fourth operator of the JF-17 Thunder after Pakistan, Myanmar, and Nigeria. The country signed a contract for up to 40 JF-17 Block III fighters in a deal reportedly valued at approximately $4.6 billion, with deliveries beginning in late 2025.
The JF-17 Thunder is jointly developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC). The Block III variant is the most advanced version of the aircraft and features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, upgraded avionics, an advanced infrared missile warning system, and other capability improvements over earlier variants.
For Azerbaijan, the Block III is currently the most advanced combat aircraft in its inventory and forms a key part of the country's ongoing air force modernization efforts.
The exercise also reflects expanding defence cooperation between Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Pakistan. Joint training provides participating air forces with an opportunity to improve interoperability, evaluate new equipment in multinational operations, and strengthen coordination during combined missions.
As Azerbaijan continues to integrate the JF-17 Block III into operational service, the deployment to Türkiye marks the aircraft's first international exercise and an important milestone in the development of the country's modern fighter capability.
Source: azernews
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