Azerbaijan’s JF-17 “Thunder” Block III Fighters Armed with Turkey’s Deadly Air-to-Air Missiles—A New Era of Aerial Dominance Begins!

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Azerbaijan’s Air Force is poised to elevate its aerial firepower as its newly acquired JF-17 “Thunder” Block III fighter jets are reportedly set to be armed with Turkey’s cutting-edge Gökdoğan Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) and Bozdoğan Within-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (WVRAAM).

This marks a significant leap in Azerbaijan’s air combat capabilities, reinforcing its aerial dominance.

The JF-17 Block III, a formidable multirole fighter jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG), will also integrate state-of-the-art avionics from Turkey’s defense sector, further enhancing its lethality in modern warfare.

The unwavering defense alliance between Turkey and Azerbaijan continues to grow stronger.

The decision to arm Azerbaijan’s JF-17 Block III fleet with Turkish-made missiles is a resounding endorsement of Turkey’s rapidly advancing defense industry, cementing its position as a key player in global arms production.

Reports from February revealed that Azerbaijan had sealed a deal to acquire the latest variant of the JF-17 Block III, a move signaling its commitment to bolstering its air force with cutting-edge technology from Pakistan and China.

With an estimated expenditure of a staggering US$1.6 billion (RM7.2 billion), these advanced fighter jets are set to replace Azerbaijan’s aging fleet of MiG-29s, ushering in a new era of air superiority for the nation.

Strategically, Azerbaijan’s acquisition of the cutting-edge JF-17 Block III—jointly developed by Pakistan and China—marks a seismic shift in the Central Asian arms market.

Long dominated by Russian weaponry, the region now witnesses the bold entry of Beijing and Islamabad, asserting their influence and challenging the traditional status quo in military procurement.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is set to further reinforce its air power, with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) planning to add approximately 50 JF-17 Block III fighters to its arsenal.

These state-of-the-art jets will join the 98 JF-17 Block 1 and Block II aircraft already in service, significantly bolstering PAF’s aerial combat capability.

The JF-17 Block III is no ordinary fighter—it embodies the evolution of modern air warfare, integrating cutting-edge elements from China’s formidable fifth-generation J-20 “Mighty Dragon.”

With over two years of development, this latest variant pushes the boundaries of combat aviation, incorporating advanced avionics and next-generation technology inspired by China’s stealth fighter.

To further enhance its lethality, the JF-17 Block III will be armed with Turkey’s premier air-to-air missiles—the Gökdoğan BVRAAM and Bozdoğan WVRAAM.

Developed by Turkish defense giant TÜBİTAK SAGE, these advanced weapons will transform the JF-17 Block III into a force to be reckoned with in the skies.

Turkey’s cutting-edge air-to-air missiles, developed under the ambitious GÖKTUĞ Project, were originally designed to arm its own fighter fleet, including the F-16, before expanding to next-generation platforms such as the Hürjet, KAAN, and even advanced combat drones.

These missiles represent a leap forward in Turkey’s quest for air superiority.

Following a series of highly successful test launches, Turkey now stands on the brink of mass production, ready to unleash these lethal weapons into the global defense arena.

At the heart of this project is the Gökdoğan BVRAAM, a long-range air-to-air missile meticulously engineered to challenge the dominance of the American AIM-120 AMRAAM.

Designed for high-stakes aerial engagements, it delivers unparalleled precision and lethality in beyond-visual-range combat.

Armed with an Active Radar Seeker, the Gökdoğan BVRAAM boasts next-generation targeting capabilities, allowing it to lock onto multiple threats and strike from any direction, ensuring no adversary is safe in the skies.

What makes this missile even more formidable is its immunity to electronic countermeasures—not only resisting enemy jamming but turning the source of interference into a high-priority target, making it a true predator in modern aerial warfare.

The Bozdoğan WVRAAM, Turkey’s cutting-edge short-range air-to-air missile developed by TÜBİTAK SAGE, is a lethal game-changer in dogfight scenarios.

Designed for split-second engagements, it harnesses an advanced Imaging Infrared (IIR) guidance system, rivaling the American AIM-9X Sidewinder in precision and agility.

What sets Bozdoğan apart is its blistering speed—capable of soaring at Mach 4, this missile streaks through the skies with relentless velocity, ensuring that no target can escape its deadly grasp.

Once locked, there’s no turning back—Bozdoğan strikes with unforgiving precision.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA