ISLAMABAD/BAKU: In a powerful display of operational prowess and growing strategic ties, the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) most advanced JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets have arrived in Azerbaijan to participate in the Indus Shield Alpha bilateral air combat exercise, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Sunday.
The deployment of PAF aircraft to Azerbaijan was conducted via a non-stop flight from Pakistan, during which the jets successfully carried out mid-air refueling – a feat underscoring the PAF’s cutting-edge operational capabilities and endurance in extended missions. This marks a significant demonstration of regional airpower projection and enhanced interoperability between the two brotherly nations.
PAF CONTINGENT ARRIVES IN AZERBAIJAN FOR BILATERAL EXERCISE INDUS SHIELD ALPHA
19 October, 2025: Pakistan Air Force contingent comprising the cutting-edge JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets, accompanied by skilled air and ground crew, has landed in Azerbaijan to participate in… pic.twitter.com/pDgyg9rwMM
— DGPR (AIR FORCE) (@DGPR_PAF) October 19, 2025
The JF-17 Block III, co-developed by Pakistan and China, is equipped with cutting-edge avionics, AESA radar, and BVR (Beyond Visual Range) missile capability – placing it among the region’s most formidable fighter platforms.
DEEPENING DEFENSE PARTNERSHIP
The arrival of the JF-17 Block III jets comes as part of a broader military and strategic collaboration between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. The Indus Shield Alpha exercise aims to bolster joint air combat training, tactical coordination, and real-time interoperability between the air forces of both countries.
This enhanced defense cooperation echoes the political and diplomatic momentum seen earlier this week, when high-level parliamentary delegations from Türkiye and Azerbaijan visited Lahore. The Third Trilateral Meeting of Speakers of the Parliaments of Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan concluded with a joint declaration focused on regional security, strategic partnership, and defense cooperation.
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, who hosted Turkish Grand National Assembly Speaker Prof Dr Numan Kurtulmuş and Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova, hailed the unity between the three countries as “an unbreakable bond of brotherhood, friendship, and love.” He emphasized the need to expand cooperation in all spheres, including defense.
REGIONAL SECURITY AND STRATEGIC SOLIDARITY
The trilateral meeting highlighted shared views on defense and security issues, including support for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Azerbaijan’s position during the 44-day war and Turkey’s stance on regional matters.
Azerbaijani Speaker Sahiba Gafarova expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its steadfast support, while Turkish Speaker Kurtulmuş declared that “Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan are three states but one nation.”