Azerbaijan to Equip JF-17 Thunder Fighters with Advanced Turkish Missiles for Enhanced Combat Power

Azerbaijan is making significant strides in modernizing its air force, with a focus on equipping its newly acquired JF-17 Thunder fighter jets with advanced Turkish-made missiles. This move, aimed at bolstering the combat capabilities of its air force, is part of a broader $1.6-billion deal with Pakistan for 24 JF-17 Thunder fighters in the latest Block III configuration.

The JF-17 Thunder, a joint product of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corp, is a versatile, lightweight fighter jet capable of a wide range of missions, from air-to-air combat to reconnaissance and close air support. The Block III variant, which Azerbaijan will soon receive, comes with significant upgrades, including an advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, improved avionics, and enhanced weaponry. This upgrade allows the aircraft to reach speeds exceeding Mach 2, making it a formidable asset in Azerbaijan’s defense arsenal.

A key component of Azerbaijan's plan to enhance the JF-17’s lethality is the integration of Turkish Bozdoğan and Gökdoğan missiles. These state-of-the-art missiles, developed by Turkey's TÜBİTAK SAGE, are designed to provide the JF-17 with a significant edge in air-to-air combat.

The Bozdoğan missile, intended for short-range engagements, has a range of up to 25 kilometers (about 15 miles). It is equipped with a powerful fragmentation warhead and an infrared guidance system, making it highly effective in close combat situations. This missile is particularly valuable for dogfights, where quick and precise strikes are crucial.

On the other hand, the Gökdoğan missile is designed for medium-range engagements, capable of hitting targets up to 65 kilometers (about 40 miles) away. It utilizes an advanced active radar guidance system, allowing it to intercept targets beyond visual range with high accuracy. This missile significantly enhances the JF-17's ability to engage threats at a distance, providing Azerbaijan with a broader tactical reach.

In addition to these missiles, the JF-17s are also being outfitted with an advanced avionics suite from Ankara, further enhancing their operational effectiveness. This suite will likely include advanced targeting systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and improved communication systems, all of which are essential for modern air combat.

The decision to integrate these Turkish missiles into the JF-17 fleet not only enhances Azerbaijan’s air combat capabilities but also strengthens its defense ties with Turkey, a key regional ally. The combination of the JF-17's advanced features and the cutting-edge technology of the Bozdoğan and Gökdoğan missiles will make Azerbaijan’s air force a more formidable player in the region.

Initial deliveries of the JF-17 Thunder fighters are expected to begin next year, with the full order likely to be completed by 2027. As Azerbaijan continues to modernize its military, the integration of these advanced systems marks a significant step forward in its efforts to ensure its airspace's security and maintain a strategic edge in the region.