Azerbaijan is rapidly transforming its air defense capabilities, confirming the acquisition of 40 advanced JF-17C Block III fighter jets, a $4.2 billion deal making it the largest fighter purchase in its history, Forbes reports.

According to it, these 4.5-generation aircraft, replacing aging MiG-29s, position Baku to have the South Caucasus's most powerful air force. Complementing this, Azerbaijan also showcased new Chinese HQ-9BE strategic air defense missile systems, adding to its diverse arsenal which includes Russian S-300s and Israeli Barak batteries.

Forbes draws attention to the fact that these multi-billion dollar investments, following a drone attack on its Nakhchivan exclave, underscore Azerbaijan's commitment to robust security and addressing long-standing vulnerabilities.

Azerbaijan did not come under any other fire so far in the Iran war that started on February 28.

In mid-July, the new JF-17C fighters of the Azerbaijani Air Force conducted joint combat exercises at in mid-July, the Azerbaijani Air Force’s new JF-17Cs performed combat maneuvers at various altitudes with older Soviet-made Su-25ML Frogfoot attack planes and Czech-made L-39 Albatros jet trainers.

Baku received its first JF-17 in September 2024. In late May 2025, it increased the number of jets it ordered from 16 to 40 and the overall value of the deal from $1.6 billion to $4.2 billion, marking Pakistan’s largest-ever defense export contract at the time. The JF-17 was co-developed between Pakistan and its ally China.

According to Forbes, the move is a massive upgrade over Baku’s existing and aging fleet of MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter jets and will likely give it the most powerful air force in the South Caucasus in terms of both quality and quantity.

Baku’s confirmation of the JF-17 acquisition followed its first public display of HQ-9BE strategic air defense missile systems it recently ordered from China. It paraded the missile systems in public at the November 8, 2025, “Victory Day” celebration in Baku.

According to Forbes, these JF-17C and HQ-9BE acquisitions are the most substantive upgrade to Azerbaijan’s air force and air defense in decades.

Forbes recalls that Azerbaijan’s existing fourth-generation MiG-29 Fulcrums weren’t inherited from the Soviet Union. Rather, Baku bought them second-hand from Ukraine, which modernized them before delivery in the 2000s. It acquired a total of 16, including some two-seater MiG-29UB models, with deliveries completed in 2011, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s extensive arms transfer database. Ukraine supplied them along with at least 43 long-range R-73R/T air-to-air missiles per SIPRI.

Also, Forbes recalls that in 2021 amid heightened tensions with Iran, Azerbaijan even briefly considered acquiring Israel’s advanced Arrow 3, an exoatmospheric anti-ballistic missile.