The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence released a video showing the JF-17C Block III fighters that have recently entered service with the country’s air force. The footage features two single‑seat aircraft, serial numbers 501‑24 and 502‑24, belonging to the 408th Jaguar squadron.
So far, Azerbaijan has received nine Block‑3 Tornado aircraft, including six JF-17C and three JF-17D models. An additional seven aircraft are scheduled for delivery to complete the initial 16‑aircraft order.
The capital, Baku, also signed a second contract for 40 more Block‑3 Tornados, with deliveries starting in 2028 and continuing through 2032. The fleet will ultimately comprise 56 JF‑17 aircraft in both C and D variants.
The Tornado, also known as the FC‑1 Shilong, is a joint China‑Pakistan fighter powered by a Russian RD‑93 engine. It can carry a wide range of weapons, including the Turkish air‑to‑air missiles Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan, which are key to its appeal for the Azerbaijani air force.