The Azerbaijan Air Force is set to receive Turkish Merlin IR [Bozdoğan] air-to-air missiles and Peregrine [Gökdoğan] beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles [BVRAAM] for their Sino-Pakistani JF-17-C Block III Thunder fighter jets. In addition to these powerful munitions, Azerbaijani fighters will be equipped with advanced Turkish avionics, according to the same source.
“JF17-C Block-3 Thunder fighter aircraft Azerbaijan is getting from Pakistan will reportedly have several Turkish avionics as well as weapon systems such as Bozdogan IIR & Gokdogan radar-guided missiles.”
Azerbaijan has decided to purchase 24 JF-17-C Block III Thunder fighter jets, with the first delivery anticipated next year. The entire order is expected to be fulfilled by the end of 2027. The inclusion of these two Turkish air-to-air missiles will undoubtedly boost confidence in the capabilities of the Azerbaijani fighters and their pilots.
These missiles are poised to play a pivotal role in modernizing Turkey’s air force. They are also likely to draw interest from allied nations seeking cost-effective, advanced air-to-air missile solutions. This appears to be precisely the scenario with the Azerbaijani JF-17 Block III fighters.
