BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – Amidst its ambitious plans to upgrade the country’s military capabilities, the Azerbaijan Air Force has initiated a comprehensive series of training exercises to enhance the combat readiness of its troops. As part of this strategic initiative, the air force recently conducted series of training flights involving its newly acquired JF-17C Block III jets, alongside its existing Su-25 and L-39 aircraft.
The JF-17C Block III, an advanced multi-role fighter jet developed in collaboration between Chinese and Pakistani aerospace industry, made their maiden training appearance as part of this exercise. Azerbaijan has recently acquired a significant number of JF-17C Block III jets, expected to significantly bolster its air warfare capabilities.
The Su-25, a renowned attack aircraft, continues to play a vital role in Azerbaijan’s tactical air support operations. Its inclusion in these training exercises is aimed at reiterating the skill sets of pilots who will fly this versatile aircraft in high-pressure combat scenarios. Azerbaijan has been expanding its Su-25 fleet, with ongoing upgrades ensuring these aircraft remain at the forefront of its ground support operations.
Azerbaijan’s Aero- L-39 is another stalwart platform seen in action during the exercise. This jet trainer was primarily involved in conducting aerobatic displays and combat manoeuvres to demonstrate the tactical potential and versatility of the aircraft.
According to high-ranking Azerbaijan Air Force officials, these comprehensive training exercises are crucial components of the service’s combat readiness plan for 2026, aimed at fostering tactical cohesion and readiness among air force crews. The multi-faceted approach adopted in these training operations, involving advanced fighter jets, attack aircraft, and trainers, serves as a testament to the Azerbaijani Air Force’s relentless pursuit of military excellence.
Training sorties, involving a range of aerial formations and tactics, were undertaken to simulate realistic combat scenarios, further bolstering the pilots’ proficiency in high-stress situations. These exercises underscore the importance of interoperability, situational awareness, and teamwork in the face of ever-evolving threats.
As Azerbaijan continues to bolster its military capabilities, its training exercises, including this significant JF-17C Block III and Su-25 presence, demonstrate an unwavering commitment to national security. These multi-jet exercises signal a significant shift in the combat readiness posture of the Azerbaijan Air Force, reinforcing its ability to respond effectively to emerging challenges in the region.
