Azerbaijan Bolsters Air Defences with New JF-17 Fighters and HQ-9 Missiles

Amid the Iran conflict, Azerbaijan has fielded JF-17C Block III jets and displayed HQ-9BE surface-to-air missiles, expanding its already diverse air-defence network.

Following a lone drone hit on Nakhchivan International Airport in early March, Azerbaijan has not experienced additional strikes in the ongoing Iran war. To guard against future threats, Baku introduced JF-17C Block III fighters on July 6, releasing footage of two single-seat jets equipped with external fuel tanks but no armament. The new aircraft later conducted combat-style maneuvers alongside Soviet-era Su-25ML attack planes and Czech L-39 trainers.

In parallel, Azerbaijan displayed Chinese-produced HQ-9BE long-range surface-to-air missiles, adding to a portfolio that already includes Russian S-300 PMU-2, Israeli Barak systems and Belarus-upgraded Buk-MB units. The JF-17 purchase, part of a deal expanded to 40 jets worth $4.2 billion, represents the largest defence export for Pakistan and a major upgrade over the aging MiG-29 fleet acquired from Ukraine. These acquisitions aim to eliminate reliance on outdated Soviet technology and reinforce the nation’s air-defence posture in the volatile South Caucasus region.