Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has deployed its latest JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets to Azerbaijan to participate in the bilateral air combat exercise Indus Shield Alpha, the service announced via its official channels on Sunday.
The exercise, hosted in Azerbaijan, brings together air and ground crews from both nations for an intensive aerial training engagement focused on modern air warfare tactics and operational coordination. According to the PAF, the deployment included a non-stop ferry flight from Pakistan, made possible through aerial refueling support provided by a PAF-operated IL-78 tanker aircraft.
In a statement released by the service, the air force highlighted that “in a remarkable display of operational prowess and endurance, PAF fighters accomplished a non-stop flight… executing flawless in-flight air-to-air refuelling operations.” The service emphasized that the mid-air refueling demonstrated the long-range capability of the JF-17 Block III and the readiness of its aircrew to undertake extended international operations.
PAF described the deployment as a reflection of its “professional excellence and preparedness,” underscoring the force’s growing emphasis on strategic reach and interoperability with allied nations.
Exercise Indus Shield Alpha is designed to improve tactical coordination between the two air forces and enhance their ability to conduct joint missions. The PAF said the drill will “focus on modern aerial warfare tactics, joint mission planning and execution,” particularly in scenarios influenced by rapid technological change and evolving airpower doctrine.
The engagement also serves as a platform to exchange operational insights and strengthen combined responses to emerging regional and global air defense challenges. PAF noted that participation in Indus Shield Alpha reinforces its “enduring commitment to regional stability and global military cooperation.”
The JF-17 Thunder Block III, co-developed by Pakistan and China, is equipped with a KLJ-7A AESA radar, which is a licensed-produced Russian Zhuk-AME radar, and offers beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat capability. The Block III variant represents the latest iteration of the platform currently in operational service with the PAF.
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