HomeAsiaIndiaJF-17 Block III: Pakistan and India race for Central Asia

JF-17 Block III: Pakistan and India race for Central Asia

The JF-17 sale to Azerbaijan positions Pakistan as a key defense exporter.

A JF-17 on display ahead of the IDEAS 2016 at Expo Centre. PHOTO: MOHAMMAD NOMAN/EXPRESS

 The competition between Pakistan and India to expand their influence through defense exports has taken on new dimensions in recent years, particularly in Central Asia. Both nations have been eager to cultivate relationships with Central Asian countries, not just to secure economic and political ties but also to become preferred partners in arms trade. As defense exports become increasingly important for both India and Pakistan, their rivalry is now shaping the defense landscape of the region. This article explores Pakistan’s latest arms deal with Azerbaijan, India’s defense ties in Central Asia, and the broader strategic significance of these developments.

Pakistan’s announcement of a contract to sell JF-17 Thunder Block III jet fighters to Azerbaijan marks a significant milestone in its defense diplomacy. The JF-17 Thunder, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, has become a symbol of Pakistan’s growing capabilities in the defense industry. The Block III variant is the latest and most advanced version of the JF-17, equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, radar systems, and air-to-air as well as air-to-ground combat capabilities. According to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), the JF-17 Block III represents the pinnacle of modern aerial warfare technology, capable of meeting the needs of contemporary warfare with its enhanced combat capabilities.

This agreement signals not only a deepening of military ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan but also Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening its defense relationships with friendly nations. The sale of JF-17s to Azerbaijan will significantly bolster Azerbaijan’s air power, providing the country with advanced multi-role fighter jets that enhance its defense capabilities.

This deal comes in the backdrop of Pakistan’s long-standing defense cooperation with Azerbaijan. The two countries have maintained close ties, particularly in military and defense spheres, for decades. Azerbaijan has traditionally looked towards Pakistan for defense expertise, particularly in the areas of air power and military training. These ties have been strengthened in recent years through high-level military exchanges, training programs, and joint exercises. Azerbaijan’s growing reliance on Pakistani defense technology reflects the trust and confidence it places in Pakistan as a reliable partner in military cooperation.

Politically, Pakistan and Azerbaijan share a strong bond, partly due to their shared positions on key international issues. Pakistan has been a vocal supporter of Azerbaijan in its conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, consistently backing Azerbaijan’s stance on the issue. In return, Azerbaijan has supported Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, providing diplomatic support in international forums. This mutual backing on sensitive political issues has created a strong foundation for broader defense and economic cooperation between the two nations.

On the other hand, India’s approach to Central Asia, including Azerbaijan, has been characterized by strategic partnerships, economic cooperation, and defense diplomacy. India has sought to expand its presence in Central Asia through a combination of trade agreements, infrastructure projects, and defense cooperation. Central Asia is of particular importance to India due to its proximity to Afghanistan, as well as its significant reserves of natural resources such as oil, gas, and minerals. Over the years, India has actively pursued defense ties with countries in the region, seeking to position itself as a partner in military modernization and training.

India’s defense relations with Central Asian nations have been steadily growing. For instance, India has signed several defense cooperation agreements with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. These agreements often involve training programs, military-to-military exchanges, and joint exercises aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Central Asian militaries. India’s military engagements in the region serve not only to build defense partnerships but also to secure its interests in the energy-rich and geopolitically important region.

India’s relationship with Azerbaijan, however, is relatively limited compared to Pakistan’s close ties with the country. While India has sought to enhance its diplomatic and economic presence in Azerbaijan, its defense cooperation with Baku has been minimal. Azerbaijan’s defense procurement, particularly in advanced military hardware, has been more closely aligned with Pakistan and other partners, such as Turkey and Israel. This has allowed Pakistan to cement its position as a key defense partner for Azerbaijan, especially in the field of air power.

The sale of JF-17 Block III jets to Azerbaijan is not just a transaction in military hardware; it is a strategic move that positions Pakistan as a significant defense exporter in the region. It also underscores the growing demand for the JF-17 platform, which has already been exported to countries like Myanmar and Nigeria. The jet’s affordability and advanced features make it an attractive option for countries looking to modernize their air forces without incurring the high costs associated with Western aircraft.

Beyond the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, the defense dynamics of Central Asia are shaped by other key players, including Russia, China, and Turkey. Azerbaijan, in particular, has been strengthening its defense ties with Turkey, a NATO member, which has provided Azerbaijan with military equipment and training. Turkey played a significant role in supporting Azerbaijan during its 2020 conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh, providing drones and other military technology that were crucial in Azerbaijan’s victory.

While Turkey remains a vital defense partner for Azerbaijan, the addition of Pakistan’s JF-17 jets adds another layer to Azerbaijan’s military capabilities. The presence of the JF-17 in Azerbaijan’s air force will allow it to project greater air power and enhance its defensive and offensive capabilities in the region. Furthermore, the training and ammunition included in the deal will ensure that Azerbaijani pilots are well-equipped to operate and maintain the jets, ensuring long-term operational success.

India, for its part, continues to expand its influence in Central Asia through a mix of soft power diplomacy, economic investment, and defense cooperation. However, the presence of Pakistan as a key defense exporter in the region adds to the competitive nature of the geopolitical landscape. Central Asia, a region historically influenced by Russia and increasingly under the sway of China, is now becoming a battleground for defense exports and strategic partnerships. Pakistan’s ability to successfully export its military hardware to countries like Azerbaijan demonstrates its growing stature as an arms supplier and highlights the complex web of alliances and partnerships in the region.

As both India and Pakistan continue to vie for influence in Central Asia, defense exports will remain a critical tool for projecting power and securing alliances. For Pakistan, the JF-17 deal with Azerbaijan is a clear win in this competitive space, reinforcing its role as a key player in the region’s defense landscape.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN
- Advertisment -

Other News