According to a press release by the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR), Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a “friendly country for the procurement of the JF-17 Thunder, marking another significant milestone in Pakistan’s expanding defence industrial partnerships.”
The MoU was announced at the 2025 Dubai Air Show, where two JF-17C Block-3 aircraft were sent as static displays.
If finalized, this deal would be the second recent JF-17 export order, following a potential 40-unit sale to Azerbaijan signed in 2024. The PAF DGPR did not disclose the customer, but it is known that the PAF was promoting the JF-17 to several countries in recent years, including Bangladesh and Iraq.
Get access to this article and all other Quwa content today.
Click Here
Related Reads
- Market Brief: Pakistan’s USV, AUV, and Naval UAV Solutions
- Market Brief: Pakistan’s “Missing Middle” Surface-to-Air Missile Requirement
- Market Brief: Pakistan’s Loitering Munitions Requirement
In October 2024, the official website of the Azerbaijani President revealed that the JF-17 Block-3 was “integrated into the arsenal” of the country’s air force. This was the first official acknowledgement of a JF-17 deal between Baku and Islamabad, at least on the Azerbaijani side.
In July 2025, the Government of Pakistan posted an X post (later removed) stating that Baku had signed a USD $2 billion deal for JF-17s (as part of a broader USD $4.6 billion program).
On 08 November 2025, the Azerbaijani Air Force flew five JF-17s in its own livery as part of the country’s Victory Day parade. Jane’s suggested that the five units were four single-seat JF-17C Block-III and one JF-17B dual-seater, all transferred from the PAF’s existing inventory. While possible, this has not been confirmed to Quwa by retired or serving PAF sources. Moreover, when looking at the parade fly-by footage, one can see two JF-17Bs.
The apparent value of the Azerbaijani package indicates that the country will receive new-built aircraft (albeit potentially following a temporary transfer of PAF aircraft for training, integration, and other acclimation purposes).
If there are delays in the JF-17 production line at PAC, then it would likely be due to changes occurring within the platform itself.
Don't Stop Here. Unlock the Rest of this Analysis Immediately
To read the rest of this deep dive -- including the honest assessments and comparative analyses that Quwa Plus members rely on -- you need access.
