Strengthened Skies: Pakistan and Azerbaijan Deepen Defence Partnership

Islamabad – Pakistan and Azerbaijan have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing defence cooperation, focusing on training, modernisation, and multi-domain warfare readiness during a high-level meeting in the Pakistani capital.

Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister and Director General of Defence, Agil Gurbanov, led a defence delegation to Air Headquarters, where the group met with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The discussions underscored the enduring cultural, religious, and historical bonds that anchor Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations.

Key Highlights from the Dialogue

• PAF’s Capacity Support: Air Chief Marshal Sidhu outlined PAF’s modernisation efforts, operational constructs, and future doctrine. He committed to extending PAF’s expertise to Azerbaijan in human resource development, maintenance capabilities, and training excellence.
• Joint Training & Interoperability: Both delegations emphasised the importance of joint training programs and bilateral exercises to elevate shared learning, interoperability, and professional standards. Gurbanov praised PAF’s performance as a model for advancing Azerbaijan’s defence readiness.
• Multi-Domain Warfare Cooperation: Gurbanov voiced his country’s keen interest in PAF’s multi-domain operations methodology, citing it as a cornerstone for Azerbaijan’s planned training overhaul starting at the academy level.

This meeting builds upon a deeper strategic bond: in 2024, Azerbaijan acquired JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets from Pakistan as part of a major US$1.6 billion deal, which was later expanded to a US$4.6 billion contract for 40 jets.

Strategic Context & Forward Steps

The cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan extends beyond training and equipment supply. It reflects complementary strategic postures and mutual support—Pakistan backs Azerbaijan’s claims on Nagorno-Karabakh and, in return, Azerbaijan supports Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.

Institutional ties are further strengthened by prior collaborations such as the 11th Working Group Meeting on Defence Cooperation, which covered training, technology transfer, and operational coordination, formalised through signed agreements.

Conclusion

The Islamabad meeting marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan-Azerbaijan military relations, forging a path toward deeper defence ties through capacity building, multi-domain cooperation, and shared strategic objectives. With these strengthened foundations, both nations stand ready to advance regional stability and peace through enduring partnership.

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